Athletes and musicians from the Sakha region will take part in the "Yurdini Games" event.
## Eerdynsky Games: A Celebration of Ethnic Heritage and Cultural Exchange
The Eerdynsky Games, an international ethnocultural festival held annually in the Irkutsk region, is a vibrant celebration of diverse traditions, sports, music, and customs from across Eurasia. This year, the festival takes place from July 3, 2022, and serves as a testament to the richness of indigenous heritage and the power of intercultural dialogue.
### History and Evolution
The roots of the Eerdynsky Games can be traced back to the 1990s when a group of cultural leaders and community activists from the Eerdynsky region sought to preserve and promote their unique ethnocultural identity. Initially a local event, the Games have grown significantly over the years:
- **1993**: The inaugural Eerdynsky Games were held as a small gathering focusing on traditional sports and music of the Eerdynsky people. - **2001**: The festival was revived and expanded to include neighboring ethnicities, incorporating new cultural contests and broadening its scope. - **2010**: The Eerdynsky Games were officially recognised as an international event, encouraging participation from ethnic communities across Eurasia. - **Present**: The festival now attracts thousands of participants and spectators worldwide, serving as a platform for showcasing indigenous heritage and fostering intercultural understanding.
### Competitions and Performances
The Eerdynsky Games feature a wide array of competitions and performances designed to celebrate ethnocultural diversity:
#### 1. Traditional Sports Competitions - Archery and Bow-Hunting: Reflecting ancient hunting traditions - Horse Racing and Equestrian Games: Showcasing horsemanship skills native to steppe cultures - Wrestling and Combat Sports: Traditional forms of wrestling like belt wrestling and other indigenous martial arts - Sled Racing and Winter Games: Highlighting skills vital to survival in harsh climates
#### 2. Cultural and Artistic Exhibitions - Folk Music and Dance: Performances featuring traditional instruments, songs, and dances - Storytelling and Oral Traditions: Sessions dedicated to legends, myths, and histories passed down through generations - Craft Workshops: Demonstrations and hands-on experiences with traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and wood carving
#### 3. Culinary Festivals - Traditional food fairs where participants showcase their regional dishes, promoting culinary heritage and intercultural exchanges through cuisine
#### 4. Ethnic Fashion Shows - Display of traditional clothing, jewelry, and ceremonial attire, often accompanied by explanations of their cultural significance
#### 5. Academic and Dialogue Forums - Panels and discussions on ethnocultural preservation, minority rights, and the challenges faced by indigenous peoples in the modern world
### Participating Regions
The festival draws participants from a broad spectrum of ethnocultural backgrounds, predominantly from regions with rich indigenous identities. These include:
- **Siberia and the Russian Far East**: Home to peoples like the Evenks, Yakuts, Nenets, and Buryats - **Central Asia**: Including Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uzbek ethnic groups - **The Caucasus**: Featuring diverse ethnic communities such as Chechens, Circassians, and Avars - **Northern Europe**: Sami communities from Scandinavia may also participate, adding a northern indigenous perspective - **Mongolia and Inner Mongolia**: Bringing in Mongol traditions of nomadic culture - **Other Eurasian ethnic minorities** with a tradition of rich cultural heritage
### The 2022 Eerdynsky Games
This year's Eerdynsky Games promises to be an exciting event, with 12 teams from various regions of Russia and Mongolia participating in sporting events. Notable athletes will compete in individual matches in two weight categories: up to 75 kg and over 75 kg.
Yakut wrestling (Khapsaaga) will be included in the program for the first time, adding a new dimension to the wrestling competitions. The grand ritual circle dance "Ekhore" will take place around the mountain Ehe Eerd, while the "Games of the Baators of the Middle World" sports decathlon will be one of the main events.
In addition to the sporting events, the festival will feature a shamanic ritual (Tailyagan) and performances by winners of the "Kuiyar Dalaai Tuhulge" throat singing competition, such as Aita Krylov from Suntar Ulus, Denis Okonechnikov, and Ayaal Ammosov from Megino-Kangalas Ulus.
### The Impact of the Eerdynsky Games
The Eerdynsky Games play a crucial role in preserving endangered traditions, fostering interethnic cooperation, boosting local economies, and engaging younger generations in their heritage. This year's festival promises to be a memorable celebration of ethnocultural diversity and a testament to the power of cultural exchange.
The Eerdynsky Games, in its 2022 iteration, will feature sports competitions, including Yakut wrestling (Khapsaaga), and grand performances such as the "Ekhore" ritual dance and throat singing shows by Aita Krylov, Denis Okonechnikov, and Ayaal Ammosov, showcasing the blend of sports and cultural exchange at this yearly ethnocultural festival. This year's athletic events will witness athletes from 12 teams participating in sporting events, highlighting the rich heritage and diversity that the festival aims to preserve and promote.
