Lynnwood, Wash. — June 8, 2025.

In a vivid display of heritage and hospitality, the Tatars of Washington State hosted what is believed to be the largest Sabantuy celebration in state history on June 8 at Lynndale Park. The family-friendly festival welcomed hundreds of guests from diverse communities across the Pacific Northwest to experience traditional music, dance, food, and games that reflect centuries-old Turkic customs.

Sabantuy, meaning “plow festival,” is a traditional Tatar and Bashkir holiday that dates back over a millennium. Originally held to mark the end of spring sowing, it has evolved into a joyful, secular celebration of life, nature, and cultural identity. Celebrated in Russia’s Tatarstan and Bashkortostan republics and among diasporic communities worldwide, Sabantuy blends folk rituals with sports, dance, and communal feasting.

This year’s event in Washington was especially significant. Governor Bob Ferguson officially recognized June 8, 2025, as “Sabantuy Day” in the state, issuing a proclamation that honored the cultural contributions of Tatar Americans and affirmed support for preserving traditional heritage.

The cultural program reflected the event’s spirit of intercultural unity and pride. The Tatar dance ensemble Chak-chak performed the graceful “Ak Kosh” (“White Bird” or “Swan”), while guest dancers Ruslan and Yulia traveled from Portland, Oregon, to present additional Tatar folk dances.

The program also featured Anadolu Turkish Folk Dance, who performed regional Turkish dances in colorful costume. Adding a touch of theatrical humor, Gulmet Kulmedov and his son staged a spirited Turkmen dance-play, amusing the audience as they competed for the largest portion of plov, a Central Asian rice dish. Grace Emiko Noor Nakamura enriched the showcase with a medley of ethnic dances, further emphasizing the multicultural dimension of the day.

Beyond the stage, festivalgoers enjoyed a variety of traditional foods, including plov and ochpochmaq (Tatar meat-filled pastries). A popular activity booth offered traditional hair braiding, a beloved element of Tatar cultural expression. Children and adults alike joined in friendly games such as tug-of-war and the classic egg-in-spoon race, laughing and cheering throughout the sunny afternoon.

With its blend of cultural pride, joyful performance, and community warmth, Sabantuy 2025 offered a reminder that ancient traditions can find new life far from their place of origin—and bring people together in the process.