Taste Kalach and Greet Kalachinsk!
On August 17, Kalachinsk celebrated its 229th birthday and the 100th anniversary of the district — a double reason to gather and rejoice. The day started with a colorful procession of rural settlements and local enterprises, continued with the traditional Kalach Bread Festival, and finished with a big concert featuring the town’s most talented performers.
Landmarks
Kalachinsk is surrounded by greenery, and the Local History Museum is no exception
This solid building was erected in 1905 by the local merchant Arkady Gostko
Another landmark, the Resurrection Church, is about a hundred years younger
The central square is carpeted with fragrant flowers in every imaginable shade
The administrative building still bears the heraldry of a bygone era
And the town’s modern symbol is the delicate clock tower standing nearby
Parade
The main celebrations take place in the recently renovated “Kalach on the Om River” park
Elegantly dressed young women are getting ready to welcome the festive procession
They represent 12 rural settlements of the Kalachinsky District
These beauties never turn down a request for a joint photo
The column is expected to appear any minute now
And here they come!
Hundreds of people marched through the town’s streets, carrying balloons and flags
The banners show where the guests walking alongside have come from
They enter the park through the main gate and the bridge over the lake shaped like a kalach
The hostesses rejoin their groups in the column
The festive mood quickly spreads to everyone around
The eye‑catching, artisanal baked goods are soon to take part in the Kalach Bread Festival
Only a few meters remain to the main stage
The official part of the program is about to begin
Its motto: “Having lived a century, still young at heart!”
Opening Ceremony
Now all the spectators are admiring the young women
Friedrich Metsler, Head of the Kalachinsky District, delivers the key remarks
Today, the district has welcomed new honorary citizens
Treats have been prepared for the guests
The residents of Kalachinsk love their town and are happy to see it develop
While the officials speak, everyone enjoys the complimentary sweet buns
The epilogue of the official part is entrusted to the “Youth” folk dance ensemble
Their large‑scale patriotic number is titled “We”
And now, everyone is invited to the Kalach Bread Festival!
Kalach Bread Festival
The culinary showcase, complete with its own mascot, takes place near the small stage
This single shot alone features 17 magnificent kalaches and loaves
The contest is being held for the eighth time and is popular among nearby settlements
Participants include teams from educational and cultural institutions, as well as public organizations
Each entry is unique in its own way
There’s no need to compare them — it’s better to simply appreciate each one individually
The shape reflects the baker’s imagination
Costumes help bring the presentation of the baked goods to life
Just a moment longer, and everyone will be able to taste the golden‑brown pastries
The tasting is perhaps the most eagerly awaited part of the festival
Even a small piece of this huge loaf will be enough for several family tea parties
The hostesses are happy to share their culinary masterpieces with the festival guests
If the wasps have taken a liking to the sweet treat, people will definitely enjoy it!
Every table today boasts a wonderful variety of treats
This is how we’ll remember the 2024 Kalach Bread Festival
Concert
After a short break, the concert “To Kalachinsk, With Love” kicks off on the main stage
The “Youth” dance ensemble is a real highlight of the program
“I Gaze into the Blue Lakes” — that’s the title of this lyrical performance
The “Improvisation” group from the Children’s Creativity Center (CDT) invites everyone to have some fun
A dance to the track “Wonderful Neighbor” smoothly leads into the next act
Saxophonists Marina and Mikhail Ruban delight the audience with their instrumental performance
Now it’s time for artists of a different kind: the “Vocal Studio” group from CDT dedicates a song to the city
And once again, our beloved “Youth” returns to the stage with the dance “Russia”
Each dancer fully embodies the majestic image
This impressive production evokes a sense of pride for the country
A light, genuine smile adds the finishing touch to the artistic message for the audience
Perhaps this is the most memorable birthday greeting for the town this year
“The Heroic Song” rings out — a powerful song deserves a powerful voice!
The “Wild Tea” ensemble performs
The musicians also wish the best for their hometown — the concert goes on
Interactive Areas
Meanwhile, interactive zones are set up all across the park
The Osokino village creatively recreates scenes of rural life
The Belarusian National‑Cultural Autonomy shares a glimpse of its traditions and way of life
Nearby, you can meet the craftsmen of the Velikorusskoe Compound
The “Shield of the Fatherland” club demonstrates warriors of the Shirvan Regiment and their opponents from 1812
Not far away, freshly made German waffles are available for a small fee
Even on a day off, staff from the employment service is ready to consult visitors
Craftsmen offer handmade souvenirs and accessories
Fashion‑conscious guests can get a quick hairstyle upgrade
The Local History Museum has set up an exhibit dedicated to the Kalachinsk Railway Section
This is how talented and dedicated people create the festival with their own hands
Wishing the town and the district continued growth and prosperity!
