On the 1st of August residents and guests of Kizhi Island celebrated the Kizhi Regatta. It is an annual race on traditional and modern boats. Our company supports this wonderful event every year, and we were happy to do it this year as well!
Modern boats were the first to start. Carpenters and the smith of the Kizhi Museum won the first golden medals of the race. Afterwards came traditional boats, called Kizhanka, which are still constructed in the Kizhi area according to the ancient traditions. Like the famous churches Kizhanka boats were constructed without nails, they were sewed using roots and twigs. Such boat also took part in the Kizhi Regatta, and after the race the boat wil become a part of the exhibition of the Kizhi Museum.
This year the race united 12 traditional boats. Kizhanka is a quick and stable boat with a remarkable silhouette. The race was not only quick, but also impressive. Three big wooden ships, constructed in Petrozavodsk, came to Kizhi Island to support the participants. The folk ensemble of the Kizhi Museum welcomed all the boats with songs. The race is not only a competition, but also a big feast for the Kizhi Museum and for Karelia. Even the rain could not destroy the atmosphere of the Kizhi Regatta.
Participants came from Petrozavodsk, from the villages of Karelia and Kizhi Island. Most of the competitors wore traditional shirts and dresses. Girls' teams wearing traditional sarafans and ornaments looked fantastic! Girls are strong competitors. They take part in the Kizhi Regatta every year, row together with men, and are always one of the winners. This year is no exception. All the winners were awarded with diplomas and prizes.The governor of Karelia came to Kizhi Island specially to congratulate all the winners.