In Photos: Ethnic Kryashens Celebrate Pitrau Folk Festival in Tatarstan
This year’s Pitrau festival came and went in the republic of Tatarstan. Celebrated by the Kryashens, an Orthodox Christian ethnic sub-group of the Volga Tatars, the holiday has a deep folk and religious meaning.
While Pitrau is largely to observe the Day of Saints Peter and Paul, the festival also has pre-Christian roots. The day doubles as a celebration of Kryashen agriculture, marking the coming of autumn and the beginning of the harvest period. For young people, who face weeks of labor in the fields, the day is a final chance to blow off steam before the work begins. Older generations take the opportunity to catch up and renew ties.
Here’s a snapshot of the Pitrau festivities:
While Pitrau is largely to observe the Day of Saints Peter and Paul, the festival also has pre-Christian roots. The day doubles as a celebration of Kryashen agriculture, marking the coming of autumn and the beginning of the harvest period. For young people, who face weeks of labor in the fields, the day is a final chance to blow off steam before the work begins. Older generations take the opportunity to catch up and renew ties.
Here’s a snapshot of the Pitrau festivities:

A man wearing a costume takes part in celebrations of the Pitrau feast in the village of Zyuri, Mamadysh District. Zyuri has become the epicenter of a Kryashen folk revival in Tatarstan.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

Onlookers watch as a man leaps into the water during the Pitrau feast. For young people, the day is a chance to let loose.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

Women wearing folk costumes take part in celebrations of the Pitrau feast.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

A woman wearing a folk costume dances surrounded by smoke during the feast.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

A man wearing a costume takes part in celebrations of the Pitrau feast.
Yegor Aleyev / TASS

Women in folk dress dance in a circle amid the festivities. According to popular belief, the success of the harvest depends on the quality of the dancing.
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A woman in an elaborate headdress dances in front of the crowd.
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A family in traditional dress dances. The day is a chance for different generations to celebrate together.
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Two women wearing flower crowns. Also known as the "festival of flowers," these are given as gifts, symbolizing good luck.
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Three participants jump, holding hands. Pitrau usually features a number of light-hearted competitions.
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A flower-crown-wearing woman dances under the setting sun.
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Families gathered together to celebrate.
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As the day draws to a close, a woman takes a picture with her flower crown.
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