Will you chip in to support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation today?
Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!
The Tatars of Washington State will host its annual Sabantuy celebration at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 7, at Lynndale Park in Lynnwood.
Sabantuy is a summer festival celebrated among the Tatars and Bashkirs, a group of Turkic people whose historic homeland is centered in the Volga-Bulgaria region of present-day Russia.
Sabantuy means “plough festival” and dates back more than 1,000 years to an agricultural celebration marking the completion of spring planting and the hope for a bountiful harvest, according to a Tatarstan tourism site. Over time, it evolved from a rural farming tradition into a major cultural holiday celebrated by Tatar and Bashkir communities worldwide.
Traditionally, Sabantuy features folk music, dancing, traditional foods and friendly competitions, including Tatar wrestling, horse racing, sack races, climbing contests and other games that showcase strength, skill and community spirit.
“Tatars of Washington State was established in January 2024 to promote the Tatar culture in Washington state and also help pass it down to the next generation of Tatars,” said Kerem Onat, who is a commissioner of Mountlake Terrace’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission. “Since then, they have been organizing Sabantuy, a big Tatar celebration, in the region. It started small and then grew significantly to the point that it started pulling guests from neighboring communities, such as Portland, where there are less Tatars.
Onat added that Sabantuy is also celebrated in California, Florida and some other states.
“In my experience, it’s the first celebration Tatars stick to when they are out of Tatarstan.” he said. “But it is also important for Bashkir community. However, as there aren’t sizable Bashkir communities here, Tatars of Washington State organizes its Sabantuy with Tatars and Bashkirs in mind. Last year, Tatars like the big shelter in Lynndale Park and the amphitheater. If people go, they’ll expect to find food, music and dances. This celebration is pull Tatars from not only greater Seattle area, but also beyond, including Portland.”
Contact Kerem Onat for more information at [email protected].
Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.
By commenting here you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Please read our code at the bottom of this page before commenting.