Colors of Simferopol - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Simferopol is a typical modern resort with a continuously evolving infrastructure. The ancient city is rich in culture and tradition, acquaintance with which would give a lot of leisure experiences. Travelers who visit the city during the second half of May will be able to participate in a very interesting national event - the Festival of Tatar culture. A significant part of Crimean population is represented by Tatars. At the 20th of May each year they gather in Simferopol to conduct a large-scale celebration.

The festival is always accompanied by massive public celebration; interesting concerts and competitions are held on streets of the city. Gastronomic events remain inescapable parts of the festival, where everyone can try national Tatar dishes and even learn how to cook them. Colorful fairs, where national Tatar costumes and decorations are sold, are sure to please fans of shopping. Youngest guests of the resort will enjoy an abundance of rides and attractions.

One of the city’s main landmarks is a historic district; it is separated from the new district by the long street. Walking through these places will be an unforgettable experience, as this area is very amazing. On the one hand, narrow streets are full of beautiful modern buildings, well-maintained parks and landscaped courtyards, and on the other hand, there are old and dilapidated buildings there. Such a contrast of two times has turned the Old Town district to one of the city's main attractions. The modern city is constantly changing; locals are trying their best to keep its charm. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the past few years an incredible amount of beautiful wooden figures has appeared on the city streets. Tourists are fond of searching and photographing them. The fact is that there are lots of old trees in Simferopol, many of which have been cut down. Local artists make works of art from those trunks and stumps of felled trees; they can be seen in various parts of the city. Beautiful and modern, Simferopol is a favorite holiday destination of thousands of tourists. This tranquil and picturesque city has interesting traditions and unique culture.

One of the most cherished celebrations of the locals is Maslenitsa, a holiday whose roots go back to pagan times. Traditional pancakes with tea drinking, burning of an effigy symbolizing Judas, mass folk celebrations, and interactive contests, are all integral parts of the festival. Generally, the time of celebration of the festival falls on mid-February (depending on the date of the beginning of Easter). During the festival, an interesting cultural program awaits the guests of the city: an art exhibition is held at the Museum of the City’s History (Muzey Istorii Goroda Simferopolya), traditional celebrations with burning straw effigies, picnics, and interactive contests are organized in the Trenyov Square.

Clubbers will be happy to attend a festival dedicated to trance, and whose name speaks for itself. We are talking about the event Trancemission, which is marked at the beginning of May or the end of September. The venue of the event is usually the huge sports complex of the Crimean Federal University named after Vernadsky. Nevertheless, sometimes the complex Connect Center is used as the venue. It is a platform where you can dance until morning. Participants of the festival include famous DJs who try with all their might to please the visitors so that they will all receive only the most pleasant impressions. Not a single incendiary party can do without art installations and a laser show, which have long been the hallmark of the festival.

The capital of Crimea gladdens fans of cultural festivals. Subsequently, in the middle of April in the Scientific Library of Ivan Franko (in the National University of Lviv), a festival dedicated to the birthday of the outstanding poet Nikolay Gumilyov takes place, verses of whom many locals read out. Events dedicated to the author take place in other major cities of Crimea – in Koktebel and Theodosia – but those in Simferopol are the most large-scale. They include poetry reading and literary meetings with contemporary authors, as well as awarding winners the Nikolay Gumilyov Prize. Immediately after the poetic festival, a holiday dedicated to French culture starts. The venue of this holiday is the same Ivan Franko Scientific Library, where at this time you can see films about French culture, as well as be witness to musical concerts.

The end of October in Simferopol means that the Coffee and Tea Expo is approaching. In the exhibition complex Connect Center, not only can you taste delicious coffee, but you also get to watch barista competitions that have contestants coming from all over Crimea, as well as get high-quality master classes in the preparation of drinks and cupping. The fest is competitive in nature, being a qualifying round – the best barista is later sent to the capital of Russia to represent Crimea. The festival also hosts an exhibition of confectionery “Tortida”, which allows you to enjoy coffee and tea and have a snack. It is worth noting that this is one of the most popular events among local residents.

Another fascinating gastronomic festival is held in early February and is called “Gastroly”. Exhibition complex “Connect Center” again receives guests who want to enjoy the wonderful culinary delights. In addition to the gastronomic program, which includes tasting dishes of local cuisine, cooking classes and the opening of food courts, visitors can expect animated shows, music concerts and specially equipped locations for engaging in sports. Special attention is paid to healthy food. Entrance, just like to most festivals of this kind (including the ones presented above), is free of charge.