Every year in April - when the sun has come back and it rarely gets colder than minus 25 degrees - reindeer nomads from all over Jamal gather for the year's biggest event: Reindeer Herder's Day. The celebration lasts for two days, and men compete in various national disciplines such as lassoing, wrestling, reindeer racing, skiing and jump over sledges.
There are great prizes to be won, so everyone is fighting fiercely to win. The women show homemade costumes in reindeer skins and crafts made in the dark winter evenings, and the village echoes of song and dance performances from local ensembles. The pictures here are from the big festival in Yar-Sale (see also the video).
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 Sale of reindeer skins at the local market |
 3 women on their way to party |
 Kebabs is prepared for lunch |
 All clothes are made of reindeer skin |
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 From the procession during the festival's opening |
 From the procession during the festival's opening |
 From the procession during the festival's opening |
 Speech by the village's administration |
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 Lasso throwing - the winner is the one who hits a pole 15 meters away most times |
 Wrestling |
 Wrestling |
 The competitions are followed intensely by the crowd |
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 The competitions are followed intensely by the crowd |
 Kebabs are sold throughout the village |
 The men here are more concerned about vodka drinking than competitions .. |
 Skiing on original hunting ski |
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 Two bear teeth and a knife |
 Clothes made by reindeer skin keep the crowd warm |
 Clothes made by reindeer skin keep the crowd warm |
 Snow beard |
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 Reindeer racing |
 Reindeer racing |
 Reindeer racing |
 Reindeer racing |
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 The one who can pull the other to himself is strongest and wins |
