Reindeer Sledge Races in Vorkuta

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.