Topic: Cossacks
The “Cossack village of Moscow” festival is now underway on the territory of the “Luzhniki” Olympic complex. It commemorates 200th anniversary of the Cossacks gathering that set the task of expelling Napoleon forces from Moscow.
“The Cossack corps led by Ataman Matvei Platov completely destroyed my horses, artillery and bags”, Napoleon said remembering his unsuccessful campaign in Russia. In the Great Patriotic war of 1812, Cossacks distinguished themselves by displaying cleverness, decisiveness and bravery. Later, they entered Paris in the vanguard of European forces. Their descendants still honour the traditions, says Cossack Colonel Alexander Gavrin.
“The festival is staged at the time when members of the Council for Cossack Affairs under the President of the Russian Federation meet in Moscow. From time immemorial, Moscow has been the centre that unites all Cossack regiments. Before the Revolution in 1917, there were 12 Cossack regiments, while at present, 11 regiments have been registered by the government. Representatives of all Cossack villages, from the Russian Far East, Ussurisk and Amur to Tver gather in the Russian capital. Cossacks have long lived in multinational Russia and have never betrayed the country. They have always served their motherland with good faith and fidelity, Alexander Gavrin said.
The main event of the festival in Luzhniki is the construction of an Orthodox church. The whole church is built in a single day. Here is an opinion from organizer of the festival Olga Ivanova.
“The festival opens with a performance by the army chorus of the Moscow District’s Central Cossack force. Sholokhov Moscow Cossack cadet’s corps march and a performance by Kuban Cossack force’s honorary guard will close the festival. Muscovites and the visitors of the Russian capital will get an opportunity to watch master-classes in historical fencing. The festival includes a huge children’s programme, competitions, round dances and other entertainment,” Olga Ivanova said.
The festival also features a large fair of traditional handicrafts. The hosts of Cossack villages offer visitors “kvass”, honey and other treats and snacks.
© The Voice of Russia. 18 October, 2012