In Russia, in various cities, folk festivals on various topics are very often held. "Syzran tomato" has become one of the favorite holidays in the Samara region and beyond.
History of occurrence
Syzran at all times developed through agriculture. Here, residents used any "piece" of land for growing vegetables. Thus, the townspeople additionally, and sometimes mainly, earned money.
Today Syzran tomatoes and cucumbers have a fairly large demand in the market. In order to instill respect for agricultural labor and its products, it was decided in 2001 to hold a festival in honor of tomatoes.
After that, over the course of 16 years, this holiday is annually held on the third Saturday of August. In recent years, even guests from France have come to the festival. For the convenience of residents of the region, a "tourist train" is launched that day. The train collects people at the station. "Samara" and driven to Suzdal through the station "Lipyagi" and "Chapaevsk".
Syzran Tomato Program
2017 was no exception. Another festival was held. At 7.30 a tourist gathering started at the Samara station. Here they took the train and at 8.00 left for a holiday. Upon arrival at 10.00 for those who wish, city tours and visits to interactive sites were organized.
Until 16.00, guests could go about their business and get acquainted with the decor, visit the fair and just relax. At 16.00, the concert of the folk orchestra on the square to them. V.I. Lenin.
At the same time, a festive procession was being built on the square of the Syzran Kremlin. Then a costume parade began along the main street of the city. At 17.00, the opening of the festival took place on the square. V.I. Lenin.
At the same time, competition events began on the playground for children "Gnome":
- relay races;
- the best tomato suit;
- tasting dishes from tomatoes;
- the best garden scarecrow.
At 17.20 a concert of the best wind instrument performers who participated in the international competition “Silver Pipes of the Volga Region” was held.
At 19.30, a "tourist train" was waiting for tourists to depart to Samara station.
Costume procession
This action is considered one of the main events of the festival. The residents of the city are preparing for it for several months. Almost all the children's groups of the city and the workers of the houses of culture take part in the procession. Also, all residents of the city who have prepared original costumes can participate.
“Syzran Tomato-2017” was dedicated to the theme “ecology”, therefore, decoration, costumes were made in the theme of the four elements. Fire, water, earth and air were outlined in decor and clothing. Children performed dances on these topics.
Holiday traditions
The Syzran Tomato festival gathers almost all the inhabitants of the city and government representatives. The annual tradition is the preservation of a certain amount of tomatoes in a jar, it corresponds to the last digits in the name of the year. So, this year 17 tomatoes were rolled into a container.
At the time of the celebration, ridiculous corrections are made in the names of streets and squares. For example, the alley "My curly Tomatoes" or "Tomato Square". Thus, a highlight is presented in the design of the city. Near such nameplates tourists are often photographed.
Competition program
The favorite event of residents and visitors is the choice of "Miss Tomato" and "Mr. Tomato." Everyone of any age who is dressed in a suit of this vegetable takes part in this competition. The winner is chosen, taking into account the originality and “notes of humor” in independently designed clothes on the theme of the holiday.
Fans of tasty and unusual dishes will have the opportunity to try the contest "Let's hit tomatoes by appetite." Here skilled housewives from all over the region prepare original dishes, in which a tomato must be present as an ingredient.
In the city of masters, an exhibition of hand-made folk products is held. Here you can not only look at the goods, but also purchase them. Also on the square is a competition for the best "garden scarecrow." Children are very fond of taking part in it.
At the festival, various workshops on growing vegetables are held. Mistresses share their favorite recipes for the preparation of tomatoes and their canning. Gardeners exhibit their crops. Often you can see tomatoes of unusual size and shape.
In between entertainment, tourists can enjoy traditional Russian dishes. Large samovars serve tea to guests. Little visitors will be able to please themselves with delicious desserts.
At the end of the holiday, a large inflatable “tomato” is launched into the sky and all the winners of the competitions are awarded.
