Kamyshin Watermelon Festival 2021: When and What to Expect

The Kamyshin Watermelon Festival is considered one of the most spectacular annual celebrations in Russia. It's celebrated annually, but at different times. The long-term weather forecast is taken into account when choosing the date. The watermelons must be ripe by the time the festival begins.

What is the Kamyshin festival like?

Many Russian cities hold their own festivals. Over time, these events sometimes even become their signature events. One of the most popular is the Kamyshin Festival. This annual event, held in Kamyshin, Volgograd Oblast, is dedicated to the watermelon. The festival is held in late summer or early fall.

The festival takes the form of a theatrical procession. It brings together city businesses, educational institutions, residents, and visitors. Every year, more and more tourists flock to this celebration. People come from nearby towns and even from Russia's capital. Experts estimate that over 20,000 tourists attend the festival. It has become so popular that even guests from near and far flock to it.

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Each year, the organizers come up with a unique festival motto and theme. For example, in 2014, the festival was called "Watermelon Blossom and Summer Mood," dedicating it not only to watermelons but also to flowers. In 2011, the event was held under the motto "Mother Volga, Father Watermelon." This event was dedicated to the Volga River.

The parade is a beautiful and unique sight. Employees from various companies line up in columns and march along the main streets. A sailing regatta also accompanies the parade. Costumes are paraded on the main stage. Winners receive valuable prizes. Guests can enjoy watermelons and purchase souvenirs.

Since 2011, the festival has featured a new art form—carving. Since then, participants have competed in carving unusual figures from watermelons. Workshops on creating such beauties are held at the festival. The festival is held at several venues across the city, each year at a different location. Many domestic and international groups have already attended the festival. Dagestani tightrope walkers and the St. Petersburg Traveling Puppet Theater have all attended the Watermelon Festival.

The "Watermelon Expo" competition is held as part of the celebration. Participants are melon growers who have managed to grow watermelons of unusual shapes and sizes. In 2012, a record-breaking watermelon was unveiled to the public. The sugar giant weighed 27.55 kg. Each year, the organizers come up with something new, and the celebration becomes increasingly interesting.

History of the festival

A local legend inspired the organizers to hold the annual festival. In 1722, Peter the Great visited Kamyshin (then known as Dmitriyevsk). Disembarking, he sampled a watermelon offered to him. The Tsar was delighted by the unusual flavor. He ordered a copper watermelon cast at the mint and mounted on the spire of the Dmitriyevsk town hall.

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An artist dressed as Peter the Great appears at the festival every season. This character can be considered the festival's central figure. The event was first held in 2007, organized by the Business System Group of Companies. The festival took place in the Kamyshinka River bay in front of the Borodinsky Bridge. The first edition was attended by approximately 1,000 people. In 2008, the festival acquired citywide significance, organized by the city administration. Subsequently, the administration began holding the festival every summer.

Dates and program of the festival

The festival is held in late summer, sometimes in early September. Watermelons must be ripe by the time of the festival to ensure a successful event. The dates change annually, so potential visitors receive information two to three months before the festival. In 2019, the event took place on August 24. In 2021, it is planned to be held on August 28. However, there is no official information on either the festival website or the administration page.

The festival's program changes every year. The first time (in 2007), it was very simple. A few people dressed up as Peter the Great and the Watermelon King. Girls with drums walked the streets, offering visitors delicious watermelons. In 2008, participants were able to appreciate the work of carving masters.

Since 2010, each festival has been given a name:

• "Watermelon Region Kamyshinsky" (2010);
• "Mother Volga, Father Watermelon" (2011);
• "Watermelon Land—Autumn Paradise" (2012);
• "Watermelon Kamyshin breathes Russian fairy tales" (2013);
• "Watermelon Blossom - Summer Mood" (2014);
• "Kamyshinsky watermelon with a Brazilian taste" (2015);
• "Watermelon City is glad to welcome all peoples" (2016);
• “In the world of childhood there is joy and laughter, we have a festival for everyone” (2017);
• "Fantasy in the Faces of the Watermelon Capital" (2018);
• "Underwater Riches for the Watermelon Kingdom" (2019).

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In 2021, the holiday may be called "Very Excellent Fruit." But this is just a working title. The administration hasn't released any details yet, so it's too early to announce the name.

Feedback from participants

Andrey, 46 years old, Kamyshin:

I attend the festival almost every year because I live here. It's wonderful that such a small town hosts such a large-scale event. When the festival is held in the summer, many tourists come. It's such a vibrant, memorable event. My family and I look forward to it every year. The best part is, we never get tired of it. This is thanks to the organizers, who create an engaging program every year, never repeating themselves. You never know what awaits you this time, although some of the contests have already become traditional. The children absolutely love it. Thank you all for the opportunity to spend the whole day in an atmosphere of fun and joy.

Anastasia, 34 years old, Volgograd:

My children and I love the festival in Kamyshin. We prepare for it in advance, sewing costumes so we can fully participate in the parade. I think this event has a great future. It gets more and more interesting every year. The organizers are already creating a two-day program because it's simply impossible to cover everything in one day. In 2019, the festival took place on August 24. The 2020 date is still unknown. But each year, it's announced closer to June, when it's clearer when the harvest will be.

 

Irina, 21 years old, Moscow:

We've been to the festival in Kamyshin several times, combining the trip with a vacation. The festival is simply wonderful. You can eat your fill of watermelons and also admire the figures they carve out of them. The participants wear very colorful costumes. Overall, there's plenty to see.

The 2021 Kamyshin Watermelon Festival is tentatively scheduled for August 28. Organizers will announce the exact date in late spring. The festival program will be published on the official Kamyshin city administration website closer to the event. They prefer to keep this information under wraps to maintain the suspense.