Traditionally, the Reindeer Herder’s Day is celebrated in April, but in the new coronavirus infection spread situation, all mass events in the Krasnoyarsk region were canceled or rescheduled, including the Reindeer Herder’s Day. Currently, the date of the holiday is being discussed with the rural settlements.
For nomadic reindeer herders, their holiday is not only a chance to take a break from tundra everyday life, to meet with relatives and friends, but also to take part in northern competitions, which include national wrestling, tugging, jumping over sledges and throwing a maut. But the main sight of the Reindeer Herder’s Day is reindeer sleigh races. They last for several hours, women and men race separately. Winners receive good prizes, such as snowmobiles.
The ethnic camp is traditionally organized for guests. The mistresses of the aboriginal tents treat everyone with national dishes: hot tea with lingonberries, saguday (slightly salted northern fish) and northern fish soup, broth with venison, goose and partridge. The atmosphere of the holiday is supported by local creative groups. For example, the Heiro band is Taimyr’s pride and its cultural calling card.
Last year, the 60th Reindeer Herder’s Day was celebrated in Taimyr. The colorful unique holiday was held not only in the villages, but also in the capital of Taimyr Dudinka for the first time in many years. This was possible thanks to the Nornickel World of New Opportunities grant program. The holiday was attended by about six thousand people.
Photo: Marina Peshkova
