Mishkan 2020

Mishkan was the first Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture that had to face, and adapt to a real force majeure – start of the Covid-19 pandemic. This changed many of Mishkan’s original plans, as it became impossible to hold in-person public events during much of the year. Still, the cultural capital year included a memorable opening ceremony, several online or hybrid events during the year, and a closing event meant primarily for online audiences. The year also contributed to an opening of a new Mari cultural centre in Mishkan.

• The opening event of the cultural capital year, held on 6 January, was attended by guests from 15 districts of Bashkortostan, 5 regions of Russia as well as from Finland, Estonia and Hungary.
• In September, a festival-competition of Mari folk dance was held in Mishkan.
• In October, Mishkan hosted a applied scientific conference “Spiritual culture of the Mari people: problems of preserving and developing the language, rituals and traditions”, which became one of the most important substantive events of the year.
• The closing event was held under some of the heaviest Covid-19 restrictions for an online-only audience. The full event can be viewed here

• Raised awareness of traditional Mari settlements and cultural heritage outside the Republic of Mari El
• Demonstrated resilience of Mishkan organizers despite challenging circumstances
• Contributed to the opening of a Mari cultural centre in Mishkan