8 Festivals on During the World Cup in Kazan

As the capital of Tatarstan and one of Russia’s main cultural hubs, Kazan overflows with activities and events that will satiate any culture vulture. The city’s festivals celebrate Russia’s longstanding appreciation of the classical arts, Kazan’s diverse music scene, and the region’s wealth of Tatar history. So if you’re in town for the World Cup, take a break and soak up some of the best Russian and Tatar festivities on during the competition.
Sabantuy
There are several regional variations to how people celebrate Sabantuy, the holiday that marks the end of spring crop planting. A big festival in Tatarstan, Kazan’s main Sabantuy celebration is in the village of Mirny in June and can draw a crowd of up to 40,000 people from across the Volga basin. Keeping in line with the tradition of playing silly but fun games, during celebrations you can watch, or even participate in, SUV racing, swimming races with inflatable hurdles and other enjoyable nonsense such as trying to climb up a slippery pole and sack racing. There are also folk song and dances, but the main event is the Koresh tournament, Tatar national belt wrestling, where competitors try to flip their components onto the ground with a big strap of material.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWkjfo9Fyug/?tagged=sabantuyfestival
Jazz in the Kremlin
Mosque
Moved to its new site in 2016, music lovers and jazz aficionados can catch some great tunes while basking in Kazan Kremlin’s World Heritage listed glory. From July to August, each Thursday Jazz in the Kremlin programmes a throng of international and national musicians, showcasing a different style each week. The current artistic director Olga Skepner is a home grown talent who has been involved in several other jazz festivals in the city. This festival is one of Kazan’s summer major calling cards.

Feodor Chaliapin International Opera Festival
Theater
What began as a festival celebrating national talent has now grown into an international event. Celebrating Russia’s long tradition of classical arts, the festival curates a top-notch programme filled with famous artists at the top of their game. Held in the opulent Musa Jalil Tatar State Opera and Ballet Theatre, the venue alone is worth trying to grab a ticket to see. The festival is named after the early 20th century opera singer who is largely credited for bringing naturalised acting into the art form.
Musa Jalil Tatar State Opera and Ballet Theatre, Kazan, Russia +7 843 231-57-02

Rudolf Nuriyev International Festival of Ballet
Theater
Named after one of the finest ballet dancers to come out of Russia, this is the sister event to the Feodor Chaliapin International Opera Festival and is also held in the splendid state opera and ballet theatre. Slightly younger than its counterpart, it has been going since 1987 and puts some of Russia’s finest dancers on stage to perform the great ballet classics. Born in 1938, Nuriyev went on to become the director of France’s oldest ballet company, and one of the world’s most esteemed, the Paris Opera Ballet and then went onto become the company’s chief choreographer until he passed away in 1992.
Musa Jalil Tatar State Opera and Ballet Theatre, Kazan, Russia +7 843 231-57-02

Blooming Kazan Festival
One of the newest additions to Kazan’s festival programme, the two year old Blooming Kazan colours the city with creative flower designs throughout the city’s public spaces for around three months. An actual competition, the festival calls upon residents and organisations to get creative and colourful with flowers in many different categories including ‘the most original flower arrangement’, ‘the best design of school gardens and grounds’, and ‘the best floral frame in the urban environment’.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
Book Festival at Smena
Library
Kazan’s foremost contemporary art centre, Smena, is host to a biannual book fair; one for summer, another for winter. Held over two days, the books on offer here are hard to find elsewhere. Generally, the books are limited press, or from independent publishers and cover the arts, sciences and culture as well as children’s literature. The Smena centre hosts exhibitions and has a programme of cultural events, as well as with an independent publisher’s bookshop, making it the perfect host for Tatarstan’s premier literary event.
Smena Cultural Centre, Ulitsa Burkhana Shakhidi 7, Kazan, Russia +7 843 249-50-23

Krutushka Ethnic Festival
Presenting the diversity of contemporary and traditional folk music from across the globe, the festival has been going since 2009. Truly programmed with an international outlook, you could possibly catch folk and indigenous music from all parts of Asia, Africa and Europe. Staged in Krutushka, a small village near Kazan, the festival usually goes for a few days. Alongside the music programme there is a craft fair, exhibitions and craft workshops for punters to try out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYTAErzhcCv/?taken-by=festkrutushka
Harokat Rock Festival
A locals favourite, this festival is dedicated to local musician Mark Zvanets, who died in a car accident in 2006. Initially a battle of the bands type of competition, local musicians were invited to play in venues across the city and the idea was to permeate Kazan with home grown rock for a couple of days. Zvanets was originally involved in the festival’s conception and first run, and now the festival serves to honour his memory and donates its proceeds to support his surviving family and children.
Mayakovskiy Zheltaya Kofta (Mayakovsky Yellow Jacket) Ulitsa Mayakovskogo 24А, Kazan, Russia +7 843 264-39-80
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.