Bid Farewell to Maslenitsa: Burning Winter Away and Capturing the Snow Fortress in Sukhobuzimsk
In the heart of Siberia, approximately 70 kilometers from the city of Krasnoyarsk, lies the historically significant Cossack village of Sukhobuzimskoe. This rural community, which pays homage to the renowned Siberian painter, Vasily Surikov, has seen its population swell to around 5,000 inhabitants.
Every year, during the celebrated Siibirskaya Maslenitsa festival, Sukhobuzimskoe opens its doors to thousands of guests. Since its inception in 2009, the occasion has been marked on this picturesque village square and surrounding lake, almost annually.
A Gathering of Thousands
During the festivities, numerous guests have flocked to Sukhobuzimskoe, reaching a record high of approximately 17,500 in 2025. The warm and hospitable nature of the village, coupled with an impressive array of activities and attractions, has endeared Sukhobuzimskoe to its visitors.
Rustic Charm and Abundance
The central square transformed into a bustling cluster of village homes from nearby settlements, each adorned with sweets, crafts, and other wares. Days before the final day of Maslenitsa, the women would gather to prepare pies, blinis, and other delicacies, displaying their creations on a myriad of colorful tabletops. Traditional samovars crafted from papier-mache decorated the scene, festooned with strings of sausages—symbols of an abundant Russian table.
One unique aspect of the celebration was the "Surikovskaia Krassavitsa" costume contest. Awarded for exceptional historical costumes, the participants diligently studied the clothing styles of the 19th century, paying particular attention to the art of gold embroidery and beadwork techniques. These elaborate costumes necessitated extensive preparation, well ahead of the Maslenitsa festival.
Rousing Performances
Throughout the day, artists from Krasnoyarsk captivated audiences with lively performances on two stages. The "Russian Folk Song" ensemble entertained guests with various Maslenitsa songs, joining other ensembles such as "Zhar-ptitsa," "Obereg," and the local college of arts, who delivered a rousing standing ovation-worthy performance.
Dancers from popular groups like "Molodost' Yeniseia" and "Eeniseiskie Zori" demonstrated their skills, dazzling the crowds with rapid, graceful movements that left them cheering and captivated.
New Additions to the Festival
Ice hockey rinks were constructed on the lake, where schoolchildren from the local community and visiting stars from Krasnoyarsk battled for victory, with the victors receiving hockey sticks befitting professional athletes.
For the first time in the history of the festival, respected folklorist, Ekaterina Khorieva, gave a lecture on the traditional aspects of Maslenitsa at the local history museum.
The Time-Honored Tradition: The Taking of the Snowy Fortress
As always, the highlight of the festivities was the traditional Cossack game, "The Taking of the Snowy Fortress." Teams comprising sports enthusiasts from the village and local Cossacks vied against one another, in an attempt to unseat their opponents from the specially constructed ice fortress. Each year, it is the camaraderie that prevails, overshadowing the outcome.
In preparation for the event, participants compete in strength challenges, such as lifting a massive iron weight of 25 kg. Impressively, competitors managed to hoist the weight a record 33 times, a feat known as "to the full arm." In a unique twist, a female Cossack joined the dzhigitovka competition this year, adding another layer of excitement to the event.
A substantial crowd gathered along the riverbank to witness the spectacle. The grand finale of the day featured the burning of the Maslenitsa effigy, a symbolic farewell to winter. A straw man, dressed in a silk sarafan and kerchief, was quickly set ablaze and swiftly consumed.
Resplendent in traditional Cossack costumes, warriors, dancers, and athletes marched inProcession, serenaded by the local population, marking the end of the winter season. A film crew was on hand to document the day's events, capturing the essence of the festivities without disruption.
- After the captivating performances and engaging activities, the latest issue of the village newsletter showcased memorable moments from the Maslenitsa celebration, detailing various aspects of lifestyle and home-and-garden life in Sukhobuzimskoe.
- As the festival weekend concluded, several guests decided to explore the rustic charm of Sukhobuzimskoe by visiting its charming homes and vibrant gardens, immersing themselves in the unique culture and way of life before returning home.
