Reindeer Herders’ Day in Yamal is an eye-catching event that shows the unique character of native northerners’ authentic culture. On this day, indigenous communities enjoy concerts and compete in national sports, including wrestling, jumping over a dog-sled and throwing a lasso on a khorei (a reindeer driver’s pole). It is a tradition to hold an open competition for reindeer herders for the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area Governor’s Cup.

As for tundra dwellers, this festival gives them an opportunity to see their families and friends before the summer migration begins, and parents can see their children who study at boarding schools in the summer. During the festival, reindeer herders can take advantage of municipal and state services, for example, have a medical check-up, register a car, and get a gun license, medical insurance policy, pension insurance policy or personal tax reference number. On these days, the municipal authorities make all services fully available.