This is one of the most exciting events on the island of Kizhi during the tourist season.
Beginning from 1999 an annual folk festival of traditional boats has been held on the Island. The Kizhi regatta is aimed at preservation of shipbuilding traditions. The race starts at a gunshot, and the flag of regatta rises. The boats start up near the world-known Architectural Ensemble of Kizhi Pogost. Traditional boats: ‘kizhanka’ boats, soima’s, dug-outs, karbasses and others open the competition and modern boats start up after them. After the racing at finishing point visitors delight in an unmatched presentation of old-time crafts, music and competitions. Hundreds of tourists take part in this outdoor festival.
Participants from local villages, Petrozavodsk, Saint Petersburg, and other cities of Russia as well as Finland compete for the grand prix. Traditional “Kizhanka” boats that are inimitable in their beauty and feature wonderful navigational characteristics are the main attraction of regatta.
For the first time the contest of teams among the participants will be held, in which the teams will represent themselves, their region and boat. The festival "Kizhi regatta" provides: reviews and thematic tours, interactive programs and workshops, trade stalls, competitions for participants and guests, performances by music groups.
You can find all information concerning the Regatta on the web-site of the Museum of Kizhi - http://kizhi.karelia.ru/
