Bygy 2014

As the first-ever Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, Bygy had a special responsibility – not only to succeed itself, but to help the cultural capitals programme take off and develop further. Bygy achieved both objectives: the year brought plenty of attention and visitors to the village, and gave rise to an annual tradition – festival of Finno-Ugric cuisines “Byg-Byg”. The title of Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture also helped mobilise resources to build an asphalt road connecting the village with the regional centre.

• The opening event on 28 January brought together over 300 participants, including village residents, regional and republican authorities and guests from Russia’s Finno-Ugric regions, Estonia and Finland. The rich programme included degustations of Udmurt and local cuisine, performances by Udmurt and Finno-Ugric performers a roundtable discussion on cultural and eco-tourism. Fun fact: 51 kilos of flour were used to bake perepechi, tabani and other delicacies. And 48 litres the local fermented alcoholic drink vars’ were prepared for the event.
• In March, Hungarian ambassador to Russia, Mr. I. Íjgyártó, visited Bygy and said, “I have never seen so many enthusiastic people, experts and custodians of their unique culture in a village. This is excellent and indeed worthy of the status of the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture!”
• Throughout the year, a series of seminars under the title of “International School of Rural Tourism” was held in Bygy, led by Udmurt, Russian and international tourism experts.
• In July, a delegation from Bygy visited the traditional Song and Dance Festival in Tallinn, Estonia – a memorable event for both Udmurt guests and Estonian hosts.
• Also in July, the first-ever Festival of Finno-Ugric cuisines “Byg-Byg” was held in Bygy, with the participation of many Finno-Ugric peoples. The top prize was awarded to the Estonian team led by Tauno Laasik.

• Strengthening Finno-Ugric identity: the cultural capital year helped the residents of Bygy realise and experience that apart from being Udmurts, they are also part of the larger family of kindred Finno-Ugric peoples.
• Community mobilisation – Thanks to the efforst of village mayor Nina Belyaeva and her team, a large share of village residents was engaged in the programme of the year in various ways, from baking bread to performing at cultural events and  providing home accommodation for visitors. Throughout the history of the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture programme, Bygy has been among the best examples of mobilising the entire community to plan and deliver a memorable programme.
• Tourism development – The year made Bygy into a popular rural and cultural tourism destination in Udmurtia, and turned several village residents into tourism entrepreneurs.
• Starting a new tradition: The main event of the year, festival of Finno-Ugric cuisines “Byg-Byg” has continued and grown as an annual event to this day, and has become an important part of Udmurtia’s cultural calendar.
• Finno-Ugric networking: after the cultural capital year, Bygy representatives have visited numerous other Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture in Russia, Hungary and Estonia, which have been culturally enriching experiences for all sides.