The Festival “Setomaa. Family Meetings”

Seto people are living in Pechory District of the Pskov Region, in Krasnoyarsk Region of the Russian Federation and in southern districts of Estonian Republic. The Town of Pechory is the ancient center of Setomaa – the land of Seto People. Holy Assumption Cave Monastery, the venerated by Seto People holy place, is located in Pechory. At the present moment the number of Seto People living in Pechory District does not exceed 300 people.

Every year since 2008 the International Ethno cultural Festival of Seto People entitled “Setomaa. Family Meetings” is held in Seto People Homestead Museum in Sigovo Village. The Festival is held in the framework of a state programme of the Pskov Region aimed at supporting the small in number Seto People.

This event is aimed at contributing to the implementation of ethno cultural policy in the Pskov Region, activation of cross-cultural interethnic communication between peoples, promotion and popularization of the culture of small in number Seto People.

The Festival “Setomaa. Family Meetings”is held on August 28 on the main Holiday of Holy Assumption Pechory Cave Monastery. The guests of the festival become direct participants of the main event of the monastery – the festive service and a religious procession around the monastery with the miracle working icon of the Assumption.

The Festival “Setomaa. Family Meetings”completely corresponds to its name: its atmosphere is the atmosphere of a family, warmth and comfort. The Festival enables Pskov people and the guests of the Region to get acquainted with the traditions of this ancient people: their rites, folklore, crafts, national cuisine and, of course with Seto People themselves – hard working, musical and very friendly.

About 800 representatives of Seto People participate in the Festival. Over 30 performance groups: folklore, singing, dancing and instrumental from Russia and Estonia take part in it. The Festival’s programme includes exhibitions, a trade fair, master classes, interactive games, degustation of dishes of Seto People cuisine. Guided tours of Seto People Homestead Museum are conducted, videos about everyday life, holidays, rites and traditions of Seto People are demonstrated. The Festival ends with the traditional festivities, called Kirmash. The fire of friendship is lit and songs are sang while people are going around the fire holding hands and singing. This fire of friendship symbolically unites all the guests and participants of the festival.

For many Seto people who live in Estonia the Festival is the only possibility to come to Russia, to visit the villages and cemeteries of Seto People, to meet classmates, relatives and friends.

Next time the Festival will traditionally take place on August 28, 2019 and will attract many guests to immerse them into the atmosphere of creativity, to give joy to the friends who meet as well as create bright impressions and a wonderful mood.