Ysyakh

Ysyakh is a traditional festival of the Sakha (Yakut) people, celebrated in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russia. It marks the arrival of summer and the renewal of nature, and is one of the most important cultural events for the Yakut community. The celebration is observed in cities and rural settlements across Yakutia and by Yakut communities abroad.

Historically linked to shamanic rites and the cycles of nature, Ysyakh has evolved into a multi-day public festival that blends ritual elements with contemporary entertainment. Public gatherings typically feature music and dance performed to traditional instruments, such as the khomus, and songs in the Yakut language. Traditional games and sports, including horse-related activities, are common, along with fairs and craft markets. Food and drink emphasize local specialties, with kumys (fermented mare’s milk), fish, and meat dishes shared among families and visitors. Attire often includes national Yakut dress, jewelry, and decorative headwear.

In modern practice, Ysyakh is celebrated with official sponsorship in many towns, sometimes including parades, theatrical performances, and fireworks. Regional variations exist, but the core themes remain consistent: celebration of community, gratitude for nature, and the renewal of social ties. The festival serves as a means of preserving the Yakut language, music, crafts, and traditional knowledge for younger generations, while also offering a space for intercultural exchange and tourism.