Every year dog sledding races for short and middle distances “Through the Sampo Land” are arranged in Karelia (last years the event was held in Petrozavodsk) in January since 2012. Participants from different regions of Russia and also from other countries (Czechia, Finland, the Baltics, Belarus) arrive to Karelia for this event. The author of idea and the main coordinator of these races by sledges of Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed dog and other north-breed dogs is famous Russian traveler Victor Simonov. This traveler specializing for dog sledding journeys reached the North pole several times and took part in the first stage of pending unfinished dog sledding expedition Karelia – North pole – Greenland together with another well-known traveler Fyodor Konyukhov). Traditionally the programme of festival includes entertainment, performances of national music groups of the Republic of Karelia, funny competitions with prizes for spectators, free of charge dog sledding for children.
The Festival of North held yearly at the Comfort Valley Park in Murmansk is one of the oldest and one of the most mass sport events in Russia. The Festival was established in 1934. Originally it was cross-country skiing competition between sportsmen from Moscow, St. Petersburg (Leningrad), Vologda, Murmansk, Petrozavodsk. Little by little geography of participants and programme of the festival had been expanded. Bandy, ice-hockey, biathlon, skating, mountain skiing and such unusual disciplines as winter swimming, winter fishing, snow football were added. Here you can see traditional competitions of reindeer-breeders in races of reindeer sledges, throwing of arcan-tyndey (local kind of lasso) and jumping across sledges. An indispensable element in the programme of the opening ceremony is the lighting of the Olympic flame at the Murmansk Central Stadium. The most popular part of the festival programme is mass start cross-country skiing included to the Euroloppet (European branch of the Worldloppet — federation of long distance cross-country skiing events). Common enthusiasts of skiing from different regions of Russia and from many foreign countries take part in this event together with well-known sportsmen. Murmansk mass start has its legend: Byelorussian skier Sergei Dolidovich became a winner 7 times here.
Petrozavodsk City Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of June. This day is timed to the date of city liberation from Finnish troops during the WW II (1944). Festive parades and processions are arranged on this day. Very often the opening of new (or the end of the repair of old) city monuments or other city facilities is timed to this date. On this day festive fairs and concerts with participation of Russian pop stars and local creative teams are held. In the evening the programme of the City Day is finished with the volleys of celebratory salute.
Accordingly to the Greek myths Hyperboreans is legendary blessed people living «beyond the North Wind». This international festival of cultural communications between notherners from different regions of Russia and also from other countries is arranged in Petrozavodsk in February since the middle of 2000s on base of traditional city festival of ice sculptures. The main idea of the festival is presentation of the attractive sides of life in the North, the development of cultural exchange between cities where winter is the main season of the year. The program of the festival presents the projects of cultural, educational, sport structures of the city and also creative initiatives of private citizens.
The fields of the vast valley not far from ancient Olonets town (140 km to the south-west from Petrozavodsk) is one of the largest migration points of geese returning to the North Europe from warmer climes. In the end of April and the early May you can watch and photograph in close-up an actual living carpet of geese. Your children surely can meet Akka from Kebnekaise and Martin here. Traditional ecological festival is held in Olonets in early May. Its programme includes spring agricultural fair where you have a chance to purchase authentic handmade souvenirs of stone, wood and birch manufactured by local craftsmen. Participants of funny The Olonka River Race have to cover 5-km distance with boats, rafts, canoe, barrels, cars etc.. The main idea of this competition is to wonder spectators and opponents with own boat craft. Another unique sport event of the festival is Open Kyykkä (Finnish skittles) Championship. Special training is not necessary to take part in this tournament. Teams of participants will be formed just before start. Festival week is ended with central event of the celebration – fantastic goose races arranged at Aleksala village located on the Olonka River bank not far from Olonets.
Kalitka is small open patty with different filling known at the northern regions of Russia. Finnish version of kalitka (so-called Karelian pasty) brought to modern Finland by natives of territories lost by Finland as the result of Soviet-Finnish Winter War of 1939-1940 became very popular dish of Finnish cuisine and its recipe is officially protected with the EU legislation. Kalitka is actual gastronomic symbol of Russian Karelia. That’s why traditional the Kalitka Festival arranged in Sortavala city in June is timed to the Republic of Karelia Day celebrated in June. The place of festival is the Piipun Piha modern comfortable tourist center in Sortavala (247 km from Petrozavodsk). The programme of festival includes funny entertainment, master class of kalitka baking and tasting of kalitka baked just now. Visiting the Kalitka Fastival you have a chance to purchase authentic handmade and factory-made Karelian souvenirs offered at special shopping area.
Ecological festival of hay sculptures the Guests from Hayloft is held in August at Aleksala village located on the Olonka River bank not far from Olonets town (140 km to the south-west from Petrozavodsk). Guests of the festival can not only see wonderful art objects made of hay but also to take part in numerous funny competitions, very popular master classes for kalitka baking and spoons painting. Visiting the Guests from Hayloft Ecological Festival you have a chance to purchase authentic handmade and factory-made Karelian souvenirs.
Festival of traditional shipbuilding and navigation is held in August at the Kizhi Island since 1999. Programme of the Kizhi Regatta Festival includes competitions of shipbuilders, races of traditional boats, thematic excursions, master classes, performances of folklore ensembles. Visiting the Kizhi Regatta Festival you have a chance to purchase authentic handmade and factory-made Karelian souvenirs.
The Murmansk Region of Russia is very good place for watching of the northern lights (Aurora Borealis). For searching of the northern lights we recommend you to book car with guide and leave the city (50-55 km to the country). We kindly remind you the the northern lights is natural phenomenon and nobody can guarantee that visiting Murmansk for several days you would watch it. The best period is September — October and February – April. Usually December is the worst period for northern lights watching but this is not immutable decree of nature. For example in 2013 December was the best period!
Every year traditional funny Ded Moroz (Grandfather the Frost, traditional folklore winter character of different peoples) Olympics are held in Olonets town (140 km to the south-west from Petrozavodsk). The host of festival is Pakkaine, the youngest character from the big world family of Santas. The dates of the festival are timed to Pakkaine date of birth (December, 1 accordingly to the old Karelian legend). Grandfathers Frosts compete in fairy trials showing the best opportunities of winter magicians: they introduce themselves, present the best product from their region and offer winter games and amusments for children. For your information Russian Santas are great enthusiasts of the healthy lifestyle and especially of the sobriety. That’s why the Prohibition is declared for all participants and guests of the festival. Traditional point of the programme is fantastic football match between the teams of the Republic of Karelia government and Santas. The winner will receive a Pakkaine Cup. Honorary guests of the festival traditionally are Grandfather the Frost from Veliky Ustyug town (chief Ded Moroz in Russia), Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) from Kostroma, Kysh Babai from Tatarstan, Tol Babai from Udmurtia and many others.
