23 Jul 2016

Expedition Ashore at Traditional Sports Festival

Every year the Marine Mammal Hunters of Chukotka in the Bering Strait region stage a festival, a celebration, an opportunity to party, to dance and to compete with one another in traditional sports such as Baidara (whale boat) racing, harpoon throwing, tug-of-war and fish-line casting. As well as a social occasion, this colourful event aims to keep cultural traditions alive across the generations.  To be there and to be part of it is a truly unique experience. This year the festival was held at the village of Novoye Chaplino.

This is a very picturesque landscape with rugged mountains rising out of the tundra.  We anchored in the bay and spent the day ashore with the local people who welcomed us and included us in the festivities.  It was an absolute privilege to share this day with them, to be immersed in the sights, sounds and traditions and it gave us all a rare insight into a little known culture.  For me it was an opportunity to see old friends as I have been to a number of these festivals before and have travelled extensively throughout Chukotka by snowmobile as well as by ship.  As always, there was a lump in my throat when it came to say goodbye to my friends and to the communities however I know I will be back, it is impossible to stay away.

Baidara racing

Photo credit: K.Ovsyanikova