Since the foundation of the Crimean state in the 15th century, Ukrainians and members of the ethnic group, the Crimean Tatars, have lived tightly side-by-side in Ukraine. And relations have not always been smooth.

For decades, ethnic Crimean Tatars have been fighting for their right to inhabit their historical land in the Crimean peninsular. In 1944 they were deported to Siberia by Stalin.

A new festival in Kyiv aims to promote Crimean Tatar culture, while improving inter-ethnic relations.

[Konstantin Oleinyk, Director, Mamaeva Sloboda Museum Village]:
“I am proud that we have a festival of Crimean Tatar culture here. This shows that real Cossacks are ready to unite and work on the same problems. You see, it’s true.”

The Tatars team wear fur caps and the Cossacks just a long forelock. Using wooden spears, the one to first hit the shield wins.

[Oleg Yunchishyn, Head Cossacks Team]:
“Seems like they are able to ride a horse!”

[Alexander Kalashnik, Crimean Tatars Team Member]:
“I think that we need to have such festivals every year, and make it a tradition. People like it.”

[Olga Vozniuk, Festival Visitor]:
“We know very little about the Crimean Tatar culture, so it would be great to find out more and to have these kind of festivals more often.”

The public not only seems to enjoy the tournament, but also the traditional cuisine, such as beet root soup and Crimean Tatar pilaf. And of course the music.

[Taras Kompanichenko, Lute Player]:
“We want to show the great culture of the Crimean State, the big civilization of the Crimean State, the poetry, music, dances.”

Organizers are planning a festival in Crimea for next year.

NTD News, Kyiv, Ukraine.