WANT TO PASS FOR RUSSIAN? EAT FISH!

Kalakunda: traditional Fish holiday in Karelia

We all know that tastes differ. Dutch people are crazy about stroopwafels, French can’t imagine themselves without camembert and Russians are believed to eat caviar daily. But actually, here in the North-West of Russia we love fish more than caviar! As you know Enjoy Russian School is situated in the land of lakes and the “fish tradition” of Karelian people goes back to the settlement times when people had to take the advantages of generous Mother Nature. In August 2018 Russians living in Karelia will celebrate the Fish holiday KALAKUNDA. What does it mean and how do we celebrate it?

Traditional Russian activities to enjoy the fish fest

Karelia is well known for its fishery. First and foremost Kalakunda holiday is a fishermen competition. About 150 professionals compete in trout hooking on the river Lososynka. Last year winner has caught 2 trout with the total weight of 3 kg (approximately 6.6 pounds).

The holiday program offers a variety of activities for adults and children. Of course, everything is connected with fish – you can buy fish, can make souvenirs from fish, cook the traditional pie, enjoy the performances in which fish is the ultimate superhero. But one of the most important things is that you may listen to the ancient tales and sagas about Karelian heroes.

What else can you do here?

• Take a picture of the reindeer
• learn traditional Karelian dance;
• play outdoor games;
• take part in the workshops and learn how to make woodenware and furniture, fish bones jewelry!

One fish-idiom to sound like a Russian

One of the most common idioms in Russia is connected with the fish: как рыба в воде (kak ryba v vad’e)

Literal translation – like a fish in water. It means to feel comfortable somewhere.

Example:  Хотя он приехал в школу Enjoy Russian всего две недели назад, он чувствовал себя как рыба в воде. (Even though he came to Enjoy Russian school just two weeks ago he felt very comfortable)

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