The annual cultural and sports festival “Abaza” was held in the KChR in 2019 for the sixth time. Upon arrival from Cherkessk, members of the Abkhaz delegation shared their impressions of this bright event.
Said Bargandzhia
The members of the Abkhaz delegation, which took part in the VI Cultural and Sports Festival “Abaza”, shared their impressions.
By tradition, the “Abaza” festival, which takes place annually in Cherkessk and in one of the Abaza villages of the KChR, combines two large-scale events: the games of the Abaza people and the Day of Culture of the Abaza people also dedicated to the Day of the State Flag of Abkhazia. These events always attract the attention of hundreds of people.
Vocal teacher from Ochamchira Lika Tsvizhba visited the festival for the first time. Despite the fact that it ended more than a week ago, she is still full of emotions and vivid memories.
“I thought that I was at home in Abkhazia, we were so warmly received. I would love to go there again, meet with everyone,” said Tsvizhba.
More than 600 people from the countries of residence of the Abkhaz-Abaza ethnic group took part in the VI Games of the people of Abaza. The sporting event brought together teams from Abkhazia, Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Stavropol Region. The games were attended by teams from seven Abaza villages of Karachay-Cherkessia, as well as the team of the Moscow Abkhaz Diaspora.
The team of volleyball players from Abkhazia for the third time became the unconditional champion of the games. Its captain Amra Lakoya on behalf of the whole team said that “the girls are very happy to accept the offer to participate in these games.”
“Similar games should be held in Abkhazia. We are very pleased with the warmth with which we are greeted. It is unfortunate that the games are held only once a year. During these three days of the festival, we are so filled with positive emotions! I want more and more people to take part in the games,” Lakoya shared.
The Abkhaz delegation included students and teachers of the Abkhaz State University - the Faculty of Journalism: these days in Cherkessk the presentation of the book by the professor of the Abkhaz State University Ekaterina Bebia on the outstanding Abkhaz policy of Sergey Bagapsh took place.
“We wanted to have time to see all the events, we even forgot about fatigue. All these days I represented Kutol (Abkhaz village - ed.), which could easily host and organize such a festival. I thought about how well it would be with the participation of representatives of our large Diaspora to hold a similar event at our place. I’m sure that many would support this idea and stand side by side in organizing [such an event],” Bebia said.
At her request, Mussa Ekzekov, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the WAC, met with the ASU students.
Sharing his impressions of this meeting, Ainar Chitanava, a 4th year student, noted that he had learned a lot of useful and important information from communication with the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Congress.
“The meeting with the head of the WAC Mussa Ekzekov took place in the format of the conversation, which turned out to be very informative and lasted about two hours. He gave us the opportunity to ask questions on any topic, so we were able to “talk” to him. Mussa Khabalevich spoke about his childhood, shared his life experience with us,” said the student.
The young man warmly recalls the trip as a whole.
“We were pleased to participate in the games of the people of Abaza. In Karachay-Cherkessia, we had the opportunity not only to personally see the fraternal republic and get acquainted with its residents, but also to gain personal professional experience. During the several days of our stay in Cherkessk, we, students of the ASU Journalism Department, collected materials for our publications. It would be great to hold similar events here in Abkhazia,” Chitanava said.
The cultural and sports festival “Abaza” is held in the KChR annually. Every year the geography of its participants is expanding, the holiday program is becoming more diverse and large-scale.
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