In November 2023, the city of Vorkuta celebrated its 80th anniversary since its founding. This city is one of the largest cities beyond the Arctic Circle. We will share the history of the city itself and its complex fate in the next article. Traditionally, on the eve of the city day, the 'Festival of the North Reindeer Sledge Races' used to take place. In 2023, this festival marked its 25th anniversary. It was first held on November 8, 1998. Initially celebrated as the Day of the Reindeer Herder, bright and colorful, it has become a hallmark of Vorkuta, a tribute to the traditions of the indigenous peoples inhabiting the high northern latitudes.
Nomadic reindeer herders in ethnic attire and with reindeer sleds participated in the festival, as well as reindeer herders from the Vorkuta district and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Over the years, the festival has evolved from a local event to a tourist ethno-cultural brand for the entire Komi Republic region. Moreover, in 2017, the festival was included in the TOP-200 best event activities at the interregional and international level in Russia.
From the outside, it seems that this is true Russian exoticism – the temperature outside is minus 30 degrees Celsius, Lenin Street resembles a set from a classic city of a forgotten Soviet Union, and reindeer, managed by the reindeer herders – the masters of the endless tundra – rush down the central avenue at high speeds. The few tourists and locals do not hide their enthusiasm. For the city's residents, this is arguably the most memorable day of the year and certainly the main city holiday.
All-terrain vehicles from the Trecol company. In tundra conditions, these vehicles are not a luxury, but a means of transportation, including for various emergency services.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
The reindeer herder prepares his reindeer for the race.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
During the races, the speed of the reindeer can reach 60 kilometers per hour.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
Competition for the best children's national costume among the indigenous peoples of the North.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
Reindeer constantly move across the tundra throughout the year, and people follow them. Distances are measured in dozens, and sometimes hundreds of kilometers, which requires good physical conditioning and strong legs. Therefore, long jump contests are considered a classic competition among reindeer herders.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
Reindeer constantly move across the tundra throughout the year, and people follow them. Distances are measured in dozens, and sometimes hundreds of kilometers, which requires good physical conditioning and strong legs. Therefore, long jump contests are considered a classic competition among reindeer herders.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
Tug of war is another ancient pastime of reindeer herders. Participants press their feet against a board and, at the 'start' command, begin to pull the stick toward themselves.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
The Festival of the North is not only a sports competition among different tribes of reindeer herders but also an opportunity to find a future wife or husband. They have few opportunities in real life to meet, as they constantly migrate across the endless tundra, and one family can be hundreds of kilometers away from another.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
In 2017, the festival was included in the TOP-200 best event activities at the interregional and international level in Russia.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
In 2017, the festival was included in the TOP-200 best event activities at the interregional and international level in Russia.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
The 'Festival of the North. Reindeer Sledge Races' was first held on November 8, 1998. Initially celebrated as the Day of the Reindeer Herder, bright and colorful, it has become a hallmark of Vorkuta.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
The 'Festival of the North. Reindeer Sledge Races' was first held on November 8, 1998. Initially celebrated as the Day of the Reindeer Herder, bright and colorful, it has become a hallmark of Vorkuta.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
The 'Festival of the North. Reindeer Sledge Races' was first held on November 8, 1998. Initially celebrated as the Day of the Reindeer Herder, bright and colorful, it has become a hallmark of Vorkuta.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
