In Photos: National Folklore Festival Gets Underway in Tatarstan
Russia's Karavon Folklore Festival took place in the republic of Tatarstan's village of Russkoye Nikolskoye on Sunday.
The festival aims to promote "traditional Russian culture," popularize folklore and award the best folk performances.
Over 170 musical groups, dance troupes and other performers from across Russia were scheduled to appear at the festival. The event also included historical games, craft classes, pre-revolutionary fair attractions and opportunities to try various Russian foods.
The festival, which was founded in 1993, has roots in 16th-century Orthodox celebrations of the Day of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. The name "Karavon" comes from the Old Church Slavonic word for "khorovod," a Russian circle dance that was once performed on this holiday.
Here's a look at photos from the event:
The festival aims to promote "traditional Russian culture," popularize folklore and award the best folk performances.
Over 170 musical groups, dance troupes and other performers from across Russia were scheduled to appear at the festival. The event also included historical games, craft classes, pre-revolutionary fair attractions and opportunities to try various Russian foods.
The festival, which was founded in 1993, has roots in 16th-century Orthodox celebrations of the Day of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. The name "Karavon" comes from the Old Church Slavonic word for "khorovod," a Russian circle dance that was once performed on this holiday.
Here's a look at photos from the event:

Women attend the Karavon festival on May 26. The date marks the Translation (movement) of the Relics of Saint Nicholas from Myra, in present-day Turkey, to Bari, in Italy.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

People ride a swing during the Karavon festival.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

A woman cooks blini, traditional Russian pancakes.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

Matryoshka dolls are pictured in front of Nikolskoye's Сhurch of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

Participants play lapta, a Russian folk team game with a ball and bat.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

People ride an old-fashioned carousel.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

Children practice swordplay with mock weapons at the Karavon festival.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

A group of women in traditional dress.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

A man poses with an old-fashioned boat at the festival.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

Russian folk headwear and jewelry for sale at Karavon.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS