Festival of the Axe, 16th edition, officially commenced by the Governor
The 16th International Festival of Folk Crafts, affectionately known as "The Axe Festival," is currently underway in the Tomsk Region of the Russian Federation. This annual event, held in the picturesque Okolitsa Park, Zorkalcevo village, celebrates traditional craftsmanship, with a particular focus on wood-related artistry.
This year's festival, which began on August 17, has a patriotic focus, themed "Heroes of the Motherland." The opening ceremony was marked by the raising of the festival flag by last year's winner, Olga Mozgova from St. Petersburg. The event was officially opened by Vladimir Mazur, the Governor of the Tomsk Region.
The festival attracts artisans from all over the world, with over 160 masters from 48 Russian regions and 11 foreign countries participating this year. Categories include Wooden Craftsmanship, Each Ancil Has Its Own Voice, Clay Tale, and Birch Bark Round Dance.
In Wooden Craftsmanship, participants showcase their skills in park sculpture, wood carving, and teamwork. Each Ancil Has Its Own Voice features modern plastic in metal, forged park sculpture, and cinematic sculpture. Clay Tale showcases clay folk toys, hand molding, and pottery, while the Birch Bark Round Dance is a cultural highlight.
Each master at the festival will express support for "our warriors" in their work, as the goal of the festival is to preserve and pass on knowledge and skills, as well as to showcase masterpieces. Over the week, unique pieces will be created from wood, metal, clay, and birch bark.
The festival is supported by the national project "Tourism and Hospitality," aiming to promote cultural exchange and craftsmanship on an international platform. The event is a testament to the enduring tradition of celebrating folk crafts and fostering cultural exchange among international artisans.
For precise participation details or thematic focus for the 2021 festival, official festival communications or organizers in Tomsk would provide the most authoritative information. However, it is clear that The Axe Festival is a prestigious international event that brings together people of different ages and professions to affirm love and respect for history and traditions.
- Visitors to the Axe Festival this year can explore a home-and-garden themed section, where masters showcase their clay folk toys, hand-molded pottery, and birch bark creations, offering a glimpse into traditional Russian lifestyle.
- Amidst the wood carvings, metal sculptures, and park structures, participants at the Axe Festival express their respect for their heroes by integrating elements symbolizing home and lifestyle into their artistry, as part of their patriotic focus on "Heroes of the Motherland."
