Komi – people living in the northeast of the European part of Russia. The main ethnographic groups are: Vymichi, Verkhnevychegorsk, Pechors, Izhemtsy, Udors, Sysoltsy. Komi are trying to preserve the rich culture and traditions of their ancestors by organizing numerous holidays and festivals.
The first spring holiday of Gazha Valyai is celebrated on a grand scale, and people are preparing for the freedom of folk festivals ahead of time. Not only neighbors and residents of Syktyvkar, but also tourists from neighboring regions, as well as from St. Petersburg and Moscow come to the village of Vizinga, Sysolsky district.
The festivities are held on the last day of Maslenitsa week; it traditionally falls on Sunday. Gazha wallay – regional holiday, organized by the House of Culture of the village of Vizinga MUK «Sysolskaya centralized club system».
Photo: Vladimir Kezling
The tradition of celebrating Gazha Valyai came from past centuries, but in the 30s of the twentieth century the holiday was canceled. The revival began in the 1990s, and the first «official » by Gazha Valjai took place in Vizing in 2009, since then it has been celebrated annually.
Like any people, Komi traditions are associated with the annual cycle. At the end of winter, crust forms in the snow, which opens the «winter road». After a long winter, residents of the surrounding villages visited each other, and folk festivals were established in honor of this event. This was a time when young people looked closely at each other, and families tried to show their wealth: bright festive clothes, a demonstration of courage, dexterity, expensive sleigh.
Photo: Vladimir Kezling
The atmosphere of joy and hospitality of Komi continues to this day. Those who arrive are greeted with bread – salt, because bread is a symbol of prosperity, and salt is a talisman against dark forces. «Gazha wallay» translates as «fun skating». On this day, indeed, they ride a lot: on horses, sleighs, high slides.
Playgrounds are being prepared for the holiday: «Children's town», «Hunting fun», «Features of family national holidays». Participants will enjoy a tug of war, a pole with prizes, and many different competitions.
Photo: Vladimir Kezling
And also songs, dances and round dances, an exhibition of products from local craftsmen, and, of course, a treat. You won’t find all sorts of pancakes on Gazha: with meat, mushrooms, wild berries, potatoes, fish. Another traditional dish is – jelly, there are up to thirty types of them: from classic ones made of oatmeal and cranberries to pomegranates and oranges. Traditional pies with a wide variety of fillings, berries, mushrooms – everything that the land of the North is rich in.
Guests come in folk costumes, so recognizable that they can be used to determine where they came from. There are many young people among the – participants, which indicates an interest in preserving traditions among the younger generation.