Minusinsk Tomato Day is one of the most colorful and memorable celebrations in the city of Minusinsk. It's held annually. For many vegetable growers, it's a chance to showcase the fruits of their labor and see the harvests of other gardeners.
The history of the holiday
The city of Minusinsk is often called the "Siberian Italy." It received this name due to its unique climate. Surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides, the city enjoys very warm and sunny summers. The Siberian Basin provides shelter from the winds. Vegetable grower Starukhin began cultivating tomatoes in this area as early as the late 19th century. It was then that the first tomato was developed. variety of "Minusinsk tomatoes"The 750-gram specimen became a real sensation. Following Starukhin's lead, many began developing new varieties in the special Siberian zone.
Although tomatoes have been grown in Minusinsk for a long time, a themed festival was only established in 2004. The initiative was initiated by the local administration. The mayor, Anatoly Ivanovich Kekin, took the initiative. He has done a great deal to raise awareness of local tomatoes throughout Russia. The most popular varieties bred in the city are:
- Minusinsk large;
- Apple Minusinsk;
- Minusinsk bull forehead.
Initially, it was planned to be a one-time event. But the festival was so popular with city residents and visitors that it was decided to make it an annual event. It is now one of the city's most significant events, attracting a large number of tourists. While previously the entire event was held in one day, in the last few years it has been spread over two weekends.
Venue
The traditional location for the festival is Minusinsk, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Siberia. The main processions take place on the central streets. But new zones and locations are added every year.
In 2018, the organizers offered garden tours for the first time. Guests were thrilled with this initiative. These trips to suburban areas allow people unfamiliar with farming and dacha life to see tomatoes growing firsthand. Many are so impressed by the trips that they are starting to consider purchasing their own plot of land.
The festival's organizers had considered holding processions through neighboring villages, but this was abandoned. The festival has already become a tradition and has acquired the official status of a regional celebration. It is also traditionally held in Minusinsk. On this day, extra buses are deployed to ensure residents of neighboring villages can easily reach the destination.
Dates of the fair
Minusinsk Tomato Day is traditionally celebrated on the second-to-last Saturday in August. This timing is no accident. The second half of August is when the tomato harvest ripens, giving gardeners the opportunity to showcase tomatoes of unusual shapes and colors.
In 2019, Minusinsk Tomato Day was held on August 23 and 24 in the city center, where Abakanskaya Street intersects Timiryazevskaya Street. This was the anniversary celebration, held for the fifteenth consecutive year. In 2020, it was combined with City Day. In 2021, the celebration will be held on August 22. Additional dates are usually announced in August. Everything depends on the event program and the number of applications.
What was the program like in previous years?
Several avenues unfold along the city's main streets: "Vegetable," "Tomato," and "Flower." Since the festival is dedicated to the tomato, the main action takes place on Tomato Avenue. A procession, attended by a huge number of people, leads through the streets. People wear themed clothing, including red outfits. Hosts dressed as tomato figures entertain guests, holding contests and quizzes.
The market and display aisles are overflowing with delicious and very attractive fruits. You can not only study the characteristics of all the varieties on display, examine these tomatoes, and appreciate their taste, but also buy tomatoes and seeds.
One of the most important categories is the "Minusinsk Giant." Participants bring their own tomatoes. Every year, the jury weighs over 200 kg of tomatoes. Since 2005, the prize in this category has been a car. The festival has many sponsors, and other valuable prizes are awarded for winning the competition. The record still stands for a tomato grown in 2011, weighing 2 kg 146 g. In 2019, Viktor Maltsev won the main category. His "American Ribbed" tomato weighed 1 kg 986 g. Ogorodnik won a Niva car.
In recent years, the festival has proven to be very interesting and diverse. Several locations were set up along the city's central streets. The organizers of the "Tomato Drinks" exhibition offered master classes and the chance to sample new tomato-infused drinks and dishes. The "Tomato Extravaganza" location proved to be one of the most engaging for children, with young guests taking part in competitions.
From 2017 to 2019, the festival program was significantly expanded. The celebration featured not only the city's vocal, instrumental, and dance ensembles, but also representatives of household appliance companies. Retro cars were also on display at the event.
Participants can compete in the "Young Gardener" and "Model Garden Plot" categories. However, submitting photos and videos is not enough. Participants must submit an application in advance so that the judges can visit the site and evaluate the results.
Feedback from participants and guests
Alexey, 44 years old, Minusinsk
We take part in the festival every year. My family and I love growing tomatoes. And this is an opportunity to showcase our harvest and see what others have grown. You can learn a lot of useful information at the exhibitions. We exchange seeds and experiences. The festival is interesting not only for gardeners but also for those who are not gardeners. Children enjoy participating in the competitions. Last year, they won great prizes. I'm very pleased that the administration organizes such a festival. I'm sure the festival will become more and more interesting each year.
Anna, 31 years old, Krasnoyarsk
Our whole family comes to Minusinsk Tomato Day. We have relatives in Minusinsk, so we try to combine visiting with some fun activities. We really like the way everything is organized. There are several venues, so everyone can find something they enjoy. We don't run any gardens, so we prefer fun activities to exhibitions. The festival leaves only positive impressions.
Alexander, 54 years old, Minusinsk
I've been participating in the festival for over 10 years. I enjoy showcasing the tomatoes I've grown myself. I've won prizes on several occasions. I'm pleased that the festival is becoming more and more interesting each year. Young people are also showing an interest in growing tomatoes, which is highly commendable. The festival organizers do everything they can to make their fellow countrymen proud of their local breeders.
Minusinsk Tomato Day will be celebrated on August 22 and possibly August 23 in 2021. Traditionally, the festival will take place on the central streets of Minusinsk. The program is very comprehensive. To participate in the exhibition, you must submit an application in advance.