The “Cossack village” festival was held in “Luzhniki” Olympic complex on the 17th of October 2012. It commemorated 200th anniversary of the Cossacks gathering that set the task of expelling Napoleon forces from Moscow.
“The Cossack corps led by Ataman Matvei Platov completely destroyed my horses, artillery and bags”, Napoleon said remembering his unsuccessful campaign in Russia. In the Great Patriotic war of 1812, Cossacks distinguished themselves by displaying cleverness, decisiveness and bravery. Later, they entered Paris in the vanguard of European forces. Their descendants still honour the traditions, says Cossack Colonel Alexander Gavrin.
“The festival opened with a performance by the army chorus of the Moscow District’s Central Cossack force. Sholokhov Moscow Cossack cadet’s corps march and a performance by Kuban Cossack force’s honorary guard closed the festival. Muscovites and the visitors of the Russian capital got an opportunity to watch master-classes in historical fencing. The festival included a huge children’s programme, competitions, round dances and other entertainment,” the organizer of this festival Olga Ivanova said. The festival also featured a large fair of traditional handicrafts. The hosts of Cossack villages offered visitors “kvass”, honey and other treats and snacks.
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