Dear guests of Irkutsk region! I am pleased to welcome you on the pages of Event Calendar 2014! This calendar combines all of the most important events carried out on the territory of Irkutsk region—festivals and celebrations, forums, exhibitions, tours, concerts, performances, film screenings, lectures, master classes and many more. Irkutsk region is very attractive to tourists and inexhaustible in its variety of event management. In 2013, our region took the 3rd place in the competition among the regions of Russian Federation in the main nomination—“Leader of event tourism”. We are fortunate to live on the shores of incredibly beautiful unique Lake Baikal—the deepest freshwater lake in the world, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are no equals among the lakes in the world to Lake Baikal in it’s age, depth, reserves and properties of it’s water, diversity and variety of endemic organic life. Many dream of seeing the Baikal seal and tasting the famous Baikal omul fish, enjoying the crystal clear water and fresh air. I invite you to take a journey through Irkutsk region and I hope that it will be filled with vivid impressions and interesting meetings, that Lake Baikal will charge you with its extraordinary energy, present you with unforgettable vacation and win your heart forever! Sincerely, Head of the Agency for Tourism of Irkutsk region Marina V. Rozhkova
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January Listvyanka settlement
THE RITE OF BAPTISM
Epiphany bathing in the ice-holes on Baikal lake are for everyone interested. At the time of this great sacrament the holy water of Baikal acquires supernatural properties and has extraordinary healing powers.
January-February Irkutsk
XXXIV BANDY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AMONG MEN
Teams from 15 countries will participate in the championship. Sightseeing tours around the city of Irkutsk and Baikal lake have been developed for fans and players.
January Irkutsk
CHRISTMAS MEETINGS OF DENIS MATSUEV AND HIS FRIENDS
Series of concerts that take place on the stage of the Zagurskiy Irkutsk State Musical Theater. Here you can enjoy the sounds of piano, famous foreign singers performances. The Governor Symphony Orchestra of the Irkutsk Philharmonic participates in the event.
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February Irkutsk
PARALYMPIC TORCH RELAY IN IRKUTSK REGION
The Paralympic torch procession in the city of Irkutsk.
February Listvyanka settlement
“ZIMNIADA” BAIKAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF WINTER GAMES The annual festival that includes more than a dozen of major international events held in Irkutsk region, on the ice of Baikal and its coast.
February Listvyanka settlement
“CRYSTAL SEAL” ICE SCULPTURE COMPETITION
The sculptures are made of ice blocks weighing half a ton. The most spectacular event of “Zimniada”. The winners of the contest are sent to Alaska, USA to participate in the “Ice Alaska” World Ice Art Championship.
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February Irkutsk region
“SKI TRACK OF RUSSIA 2014” RUSSIAN MASS SKI RACE
One of the biggest sport events of Irkutsk region. Participation is open to everyone. Annually, more than 15,000 participants take part.
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March Irkutsk
THE LAP OF IRKUTSK AND IRKUTSK REGION OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP IN MIXED ICE-RING RACES “GT-ZIMNIK 2014” Anyone having a driver’s license and trained in advance on the ice track can participate! Without restrictions on the type of tires and quantity/length of spikes, i.e. with special or modified tires fitted with non-standard studs (“superstud”, extra studding, self-tapping screws etc.). Only cars equipped with safety cage, at least 4 point seat belts and helmets are allowed. Participation in the class is allowed only after technical control of a car and medical monitoring of a pilot. Participation of one car and one pilot in more than one class is not allowed.
Winners in all classes (1st, 2nd and 3rd places) are awarded with prizes from sponsors, as well as diplomas, medals and champagne from GT Club of Irkutsk.
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March Irkutsk
“CRYSTAL HAIRPIN 2014” COMPETITION
An open spectacular car race held among the women only. The race follows the classic for “Crystal Hairpin” scheme: each participant is given two attempts to pass the outer circle of the track, the first of them is training, the second pass is timed and outright. The winner is the racer who shows the best time in the second pass. All participants perform in 4 classes depending on the gear type and tires.
March Irkutsk
WINTER EQUESTRIAN EVENTS
Show jumping competitions and skijoring (horse towing a skier) are held at Irkutsk race track. The competition is open to all horse clubs of Irkutsk and Irkutsk region.
March Olkhon island
“SARMA SQUALL”
The festival program consists of a variety of sport, cultural and artistic events. Participants will be tested in skating race for beginners and sportsmen, kite skiing, a bike trial on ice, jeep rally in Tazheran steppe, ice climbing.
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March Baikalsk, “Sobolinnaya Mountain” ski resort
GOVERNORS’ CUP OF IRKUTSK REGION
Competition in mountain skiing and snowboarding. The mountainskiers start is preceeded by snowboard demonstration performances. Men and women aged from 17 to 51 can participate in the competition.
March Irkutsk district, Taltsy etnograpic museum
“MASLENITSA” RUSSIAN FOLK FESTIVAL Multi-day festival taking place 47 km away from Irkutsk along the Baikal highway, dedicated to sending a winter off and a greeting of spring. Different theatre performances and sports competitions are held.
March Irkutsk
“BAIKAL STRINGS” RUSSIAN FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
The festival is dedicated to promotion of the best achievements of folk art, preservation and development of the traditions of Russian folk instruments performing school.
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March Irkutsk
“BAIKALTOUR” INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXHIBITION
The largest exhibition of the tourism industry in the East Russia. Annually more than 150 companies and organizations in tourism sector, including tour operators from Siberia and the Far East, Central Russia and foreign countries open their expositions at the exhibition area of 2500 m2.
March Olkhon island
“BAIKAL KAMCHATKA”
Ice-fishing championship is held annually in late March on Lake Baikal (Small Sea) near the Greater and Lesser Toynak islands. Contestants fish using a winter fishing rod with a jig at no load. Competitions, team relay race on skis and snow billiard are held for guests, spectators and participants of the championship.
March Listvyanka settlement
ICE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Golf played on the transparent ice of Baikal. Rules are as in regular golf. Frozen cracks and ridges are natural obstacles created by the best golf architect in the world—the nature itself.
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March Baikalsk, “Sobolinnaya Mountain” ski resort
THE BIGGEST MASS DESCENT FROM THE SLOPE IN A SWIMSUIT
The biggest ski run down Sobolinaya Mountain in a swimsuit. The Number of participants will be recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.
March Irkutsk
SIBERIA’S LARGEST WEDDING FORUM “BAIKAL WEDDING”
The forum will be held in “Baikal Business Center” complex from 21st to 23rd of March 2014. An area of over one thousand square meters is used for the exhibition events, which allows us to speak of it as a major theme-forum in Irkutsk. In addition to the exhibition part of the forum there will be training seminars for wedding organizers, the “Brides School” will be working, a photo and bridal bouquets exhibitions will take place, wedding and evening dress fashion shows will happen. All visitors of the wedding exhibition can participate in a lottery drawing of gift certificates, vouchers and other prizes; get unique discounts that are available only to guests of our forum. Discount promotions will affect not only the ready-made wedding dresses and suits, but also jewelry, wedding rings and wedding cortege services. The event will also include degustation of meals, cakes and drinks from the best chefs in Irkutsk, free advice on the organization of celebrations from stylists and decorators.
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March-April Baikalsk, “Sobolinnaya Mountain” ski resort
“IN MEMORY OF ZVEREV” OPEN TOURNAMENT BETWEEN THE CITIES IN SIBERIA AND THE FAR EAST
The championship is dedicated to Valery Alekseevich Zverev—an outstanding personality, a true patriot of his homeland, fine arts and mountain skiing. He was born in 1937, grew up in Siberia and gave all of his strength and soul to the development of his native land. In Soviet times, 20 years ago, he has teamed up with like-minded people to cut the first ski track at the Khamar-Daban ridge and set the first homemade ski lift and trailer to keep warm from the Siberian frost there. Thus began the development of then still unknown, unpopular in the Soviet Union mountain skiing. How forward-looking Valery was, because it was the beginning of Sobolinaya Mountain resort, which is ready to accept more than 3,000 campers nowadays.
March Baikalsk, “Sobolinnaya Mountain” ski resort
“SIBIRYACHOK” REGIONAL TOURNAMENT The 16th children’s traditional tournament of mountain skiing lovers of the youngest age. Participants are aged from 5 to 10 years old.
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April Irkutsk
“JAZZ ON THE LAKE BAIKAL” IX INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
International project which invites jazz stars from around the world to Irkutsk. During its existence, the production center of the festival has brought 350 participants from 10 countries to the event.
May Savvateevka village, Angarsk district
“LUKOMORYE” INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF WOODEN SCULPTURE
The only international festival of wooden sculpture in eastern Siberia held since 2011 on the territory of the eponymous children’s camp. Here, the best carvers from Russia and abroad gather in a picturesque pine forest to create a new exhibition of Wooden Sculpture Park just in 10 days.
May Irkutsk
DRIFT BATTLE
Festival of motorsport. Drift competitions, tuning show, all-terrain vehicles and go-kart racing are held for the spectators.
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May Irkutsk
“BAIKALMOTORSHOW”
The car tuning festival. The entertainment part of the event consists of motorcycle stunt show, dealership car exhibition, Miss “BaikalMotorShow” competition.
May Irkutsk region, Ust-Orda Buryat Autonomous okrug
REGIONAL ETHNIC FESTIVAL OF EQUESTRIAN CULTURE
The event spectacular in its dynamism and beauty. The program consists of horse-riding demonstration, traditional crafts and national cuisine fair and presentations of equestrian tourist routes.
May-June Irkutsk
“BREATH OF LAKE BAIKAL” INTERNATIONAL OPERA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Big event in the cultural life of the region. This is a great opportunity to hear arias from famous operas for residents of Irkutsk and guests. World opera stars concerts are taking place. Performers have an opportunity to attend master classes of famous musicians during the festival. One of the most important events of the festival is the qualifying round of the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition (Vienna).
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June Irkutsk
THE FIRST RUSSIAN-FRENCH FORUM ON THE PROSPECTS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN SIBERIAN AND FAR EAST FEDERAL DISTRICTS The forum will be attended by 21 federal subjects of the Russian Federation, Russian presidential envoys in the federal districts, representatives of federal executive authorities, representatives of tourism authorities in France, large French companies.
June Irkutsk
IRKUTSK DAY
On this day a festive procession called “Down the main street with an orchestra� is held on Gagarin boulevard. It is attended by the businesses and organizations of Irkutsk. Anyone wearing a bright costume can join the procession column. A crafts masters fair is being organized on the Kirov square. Bright and festive concerts of national cultural centers, creative teams will not disappoint any citizen or the fest guest. At night sky blooms with fireworks over the Yunost island.
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June Olkhon district
“BAIKAL SPRINGS” FESTIVAL OF RITUAL FOLKLORE
Creative teams delight spectators with colorful folk costumes, traditional spring-summer rite ceremonies, game roundelays and songs. The festival allows the teams to evaluate their skills, learn from others, to hear the opinion of the jury.
June Irkutsk
“PODIUM ETHNO “COMMONWEALTH” IV INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
The festival is attended by professional ethno-fashion designers, fashion lovers, creative workshops and teams, national cultural associations.
June Irkutsk
TRINITY
Orthodox ritual holiday with entertainment program. The program includes manufacture of ceremonial Trinity doll workshops, holiday trade of Troicky souvenirs and folk costumes, birch weaving, children’s games and wreath divination.
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June Olkhon district
SURHARBAN
Buryat ethnic cultural summer festival with competitions in archery, Buryat wrestling and horseracing. Participants are able to enjoy folk songs performances, “ehor” roundelays and taste Buryat national cuisine.
July Bolshoe Goloustnoe settlement
“BAIKAL-2020” INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CAMP
Lectures, business games, project trainings, psychological trainings, role situational games are held for participants. At the outcome of the camp participants develop socio-economic projects aimed at development of the region and the country as a whole. After the Advisory Board meeting the best projects receive grants for implementation. The main areas of work at the camp are: volunteering, business, career, tourism, development of international relations, career, innovation.
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July Irkutsk
“ALTARGANA” FESTIVAL
International Buryat nation festival, which originated in Mongolia in the early 90s. It is a celebration of the spiritual unity of the Buryats uniting representatives from different countries. Contests, exhibitions, competitions, performances of folk groups and other activities are held during the festival.
July Baikalsk
“VICTORIA” STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
A truly unique event in its strength of tourist attraction. “Victoria” is a variety of Baikal strawberries. This surprisingly large sized, fragrant and sweet strawberry grows only in Baykalsk—a city on the shores of Lake Baikal. Fairs, auctions, “Miss Victoria” beauty contest are held during the festival. The event program includes a traditional sales exhibition of strawberries, souvenir fair, presentation of horticultural establishments and delicacies made of berries competition.
July-August Olkhon island
“SIBERIAN STAGE” FESTIVAL
Theater groups from different cities of Russia participate in this festival.
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July-August Irkutsk
III INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF FOLK SONGS ON BAIKAL
Dedicated to preservation and development of folk songs, popularization of traditional culture of Baikal region, folk dance, songs and music.
August Irkutsk
“FISH EYE” FESTIVAL
International festival of amateur films. The event involves only nonprofessional directors, for whom video production is a hobby.
August Baikalsk
“BAIKAL SOUND” MUSIC AND SPORT FESTIVAL
The first edition of “Baikal Sound” festival was in 1998. In 2013, there was a revival of the festival, which was held on the stage situated directly on the shore of Baikal lake. Many musical performances of rock, pop, rap and folk bands and singers from Irkutsk region and other Russian cities are held during the festival.
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September Irkutsk
“STARS ON BAIKAL” INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
During 10 days the festival introduces prominent performing artists, vocalists and choirs to tourists from both Russia and foreign countries. The best symphony orchestras in Russia participate in the festival.
September Irkutsk
“MAN AND NATURE” XIII INTERNATIONAL BAIKAL FESTIVAL OF DOCUMENTARIES, POPULAR SCIENCE AND EDUCATIONAL FILMS
Held since 1999. Screenings of documentaries and popular science films about nature, meetings with film directors and producers, workshops of famous filmmakers, photo exhibitions and round tables are taking place during the festival.
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September Irkutsk
BAIKAL REGATTA “VELVET AUTUMN”
Sailing regatta is held on the waters of Irkutsk reservoir. This regatta is considered to be the most popular in Siberia: the first one was launched in 1978. Yachts of different classes are participating—0.5 Ton, 0.25 Ton, 1 Ton and “Hydra” class.
September Irkutsk
ALL-RUSSIAN RUNNING DAY “CROSS OF THE NATION 2014”
One of the biggest sporting events of Irkutsk region. Participation is open to all comers. More than 5000 participants.
September Irkutsk
BAIKAL DAY
Large-scale celebration is held in support of the conservation of ecological purity and touristic development of Baikal. On this day, a number of various major events is held: musical-athletic, intellectual, sightseeing etc.
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September Irkutsk region
WORLD TOURISM DAY
International holiday established by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization. On this day tourist rallies, roundtables devoted to promotion of tourism, the coverage of its contribution to the economy of the world community, the development of relations between nations, public events and festivals devoted to tourism and tourism business are held.
September Irkutsk
A. VAMPILOV RUSSIAN THEATRE FESTIVAL OF MODERN DRAMA
Vampilov contemporary drama festival is a unique event for Russia. The festival is a platform for dialogue among the best academic and student theaters, metropolitan and provincial troupes, known theater critics, literary critics, honored artists, academics, students, directors and actors of amateur theaters and other not indifferent to art individuals.
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September-October Irkutsk
«GLORY OF RUSSIA»
Services in the cathedral church of the Epiphany, religious procession and prayer «For the glory of the Earth of Irkutsk» are held in these days of spirituality and culture. New exhibitions open in the city’s museums, cinema theaters present premieres of movies, in the city libraries meetings with writers are taking place. Spiritual music is performed in concert halls, conversations on spiritual topics are held.
October Irkutsk
INTERNATIONAL GRECO-ROMAN WRESTLING TOURNAMENT IN MEMORY OF OLYMPIC CHAMPION AND HONORARY CITIZEN OF IRKUTSK KONSTANTIN VYRUPAEV
The tournament is attended by more than 500 athletes from 7 countries.
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October Irkutsk region
“HEART OF BAIKAL” IRKUTSK FILM FESTIVAL HELD WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE NATIONAL PROGRAM “IN FAMILY CIRCLE” The president of the festival is Krzysztof Zanussi. The film festival serves as a revival of the classic spiritual and moral values, the Russian family, faithful relationships, love and devotion in marriage, parenting in the spirit of patriotism and love for the motherland. Highly artistic movies that meet the criteria of a positive image of the family are demonstrated, followed by press conferences and concerts.
November Baikalsk, “Sobolinnaya Mountain” ski resort
OPENING OF THE SKI SEASON ON MOUNT SOBOLINAYA
The official opening ceremony takes place with entertainment program—demonstration of downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and descending on snow groomers—ratraks (snowcats). A musical concert, entertainment for children, fireworks, discotheque, evening skiing are organized for spectators.
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December Irkutsk
INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY
December 15th is the International Tea Day. The decision to celebrate the International Tea Day on the 15th of December was made after several discussions in many international organizations and trade unions during the World Social Forum, held in 2004 in Mumbaii, India and in 2005 in Porte Alegre, Brazil. Accordingly, it is mainly celebrated by the countries in which tea production is taking one of the prime spots in their economy—India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Uganda, Tanzania. It is believed that the first usage of tea as a beverage began in China almost 5000 years ago. In Russia, tea has become known since the first half of the 17th century.
December Irkutsk
“DECEMBRISTS EVENINGS”
Traditional meetings for Irkutians that focus on exiled participants of the uprising at the Senate Square in 1825. Literary evenings, music lounges, performances, exhibitions, presentations of books and artalbums, lectures—all dedicated to the Decembrists, who lived in Irkutsk and nearby. During the festival concerts take place in the regional philharmonic society, literary and musical salons in the Volkonsky and the Trubetskoy houses, literary evenings, exhibitions and lectures.
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Agency for Tourism of Irkutsk region www.tour.irkobl.ru tour@govirk.ru