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Sorochintsy Fair 2008
The Annual Fair started in 13th of August and lasts till 17th of August in Velyki Sorochintsy village . The tradition of holding the fair on this place between cities of Poltava and Mirgorod, takes its roots from the 19th century. In general the fairs were very popular in Ukrainian and Russian culture since times immemorial. Starting from the 1840-ies, Ukraine has held up to 12,000 fairs, annually.
 Many years ago, Sorochintsy Fair wasn’t distinctive among other fair events which usually marked some significant religious or popular holidays. It wasn’t particularly big or small, just a traditional bazaar where local craftsmen sold their goods.
With time, probably thanks to the novel of Ukrainian writer Nikolay Gogol, Sorochintsy fair obtained its popularity and still remains one of the biggest events in Ukraine. Gogol's novel “Sorochintsy Fair” is a well recognizable piece of reading among Ukrainians.
The book realistically describes the character of contemporary Ukrainian nation, the life of Ukrainians in 19th century; their values, moral principles and the problems of Ukrainian peasants. Also, the genuine and purely Ukrainian humor reveals both, good and bad sides of the people's life. The novel still remains surprisingly modern, for it describes unique national features of Ukrainians.
The Soviet time brought changes into society structure. The fairs in Ukraine were closed in the twenties of the 20th century. Much later, rather due to lucky trick of fate than to a plan, the Sorochintsy Fair event was renewed, and quickly became one of the few fairs which follows and observes all of its ancient traditions! Every year sellers, craftsmen and artisans from all Ukrainian regions come to Sorochintsy to represent their works or perform on the Fair. The fair had also become a great place to make new contacts and to set new business projects.
The president of Ukraine, the governmental officials and diplomats visit the Biggest Fair in Ukraine annually. According to the preliminary estimates, the fair is going to be visited by half of a million people this year. Nowadays, Sorochintsy Fair becomes not only the place of market and business arrangements, but also the great national pop culture event and an art festival.
 The Ukrainian Fair continues every year with lots of costumed dancers, re-enactments of Gogol’s stories and Ukrainian folk singers. Gogol himself was baptized here in an
18th century Transfiguration Church which is still open for people there.
The literary Museum of Gogol is located in Sorochintsy, with the collection of Gogol’s private things which he used when traveling about Europe and to the Middle East. Gogol’s novel “Evenings in a Village Near Dikanka” provide a picturesque introduction to the superstitious culture of rural Ukraine, another his famous book “Dead Soul” describes how the capitalist’s relationships were born in society. - article prepared by M. Pristinskaya.
Enjoy Pictures of Sorochintsy on DU Network's Travel site
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