Beautiful but expensive: how Kazan spends its weekends

On Saturday, August 2nd, the roar of airplane engines filled the skies over Kazan, and no one was frightened. People are made to shudder by other things. Here’s what they are.

“One Big Raisin”: Demonstration Flights Over Kazan

On Saturday, August 2nd, Kazan hosted the traditional aviation festival “I Choose the Sky!” Notably, since the beginning of the SMO, even when Ukrainian drones began reaching Tatarstan, the event was never canceled. However, security measures have been strengthened year after year. At one point, the republic’s Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that aviation is one of the most important industrial sectors in Tatarstan, which is why the ministry is involved in organizing the festival—clearly not its usual line of work. Another “star” of “I Choose the Sky!” is the Kazan Aviation Institute, which strives to instill a love of aviation in the younger generation.

This year, the event was sold out despite the heat. The most spectacular moment of the airshow was, of course, the performance by the aerobatic team “Rus.” The most anticipated part was the flight of the Tu-214 passenger plane over the Kazanka River—assembled at the Kazan Aviation Plant—and the “White Swan” bomber, also produced in the capital of Tatarstan. The managing director of Tupolev noted that every city with a developed aviation industry has its own highlight, but in Tatarstan, “it’s not a highlight, it’s one big raisin.” Given how many times the Tu-214 has been delivered to airlines, no better comparison than dried grapes could be made.

Utility tariffs increased starting July 1st. On average across Russia, the rise was 11.9%. In Kazan, it was 22.3%. Residents of Tatarstan’s capital have begun receiving their first bills under the new rates. And though people were warned and prepared for the upcoming cost-of-living increase, they were still shocked. Readers report that monthly payments have risen by 20%. They now anxiously await what amounts they will face in winter when heating costs are added.

The current tariff system will remain in place until next July. It has already been suggested that in 2026, tariffs could rise by another 10%. A similar increase is expected nationwide. However, a State Duma deputy offered Russians some hope, stating that further tariff hikes would not be as noticeable and would not exceed 8% on average across the country.

Since 2024, several Russian regions have practiced fining people for reporting the flight of enemy drones or the aftermath of their attacks. Authorities have the power to impose fines, but it is not frequently used. Cases are known in the Kaluga region, where residents were penalized for commenting on drone attacks on social media and sharing videos of the aftermath.

Media reports suggest a similar practice could be introduced in Tatarstan, though the republic’s State Council insists no such bills are under consideration. Likely, none will exist until law enforcement agencies clarify their stance on the issue.