Crowds of Khabarovsk residents attracted by the jam festival in Dormidontovka (PHOTOS)

The Jam Festival has been held annually in the Vyazemsky district since 2011 on the fourth Saturday of August. The holiday has long been a hallmark of the village of Dormidontovka. In various years, guests purchased up to 350 liters of jam, 200 liters of honey, and drank up to 750 mugs of tea. The sweet treats from local producers were sold out at this year’s festival as well.

“Almost everything was bought up right away. There’s no jam left, only two jars of pickles and mushrooms. There are many visitors at the festival, coming from all the surrounding villages. A lot of people are from Khabarovsk. Everyone came for the jams and pickles,” local vendors share.

The heart of the festival, as tradition dictates, was the abundance of jam prepared according to old recipes. Guests enthusiastically sampled and chose their favorites. As part of the festival, farmers participated in the “Grandma’s Jam” competition for the best recipe.

For festival guests, in addition to the rural fair, entertainment and game areas were prepared, along with concert performances, costumed actors, pancakes cooked on a shovel, and a tea ceremony.

“We visited the festival for the first time. We really liked it, it’s a pity we didn’t make it in time for the pancakes. But we bought a lot of pickles, jam, several types of tea, and dairy products. We really liked the actors walking around in costumes from different eras,” shared residents of Khabarovsk.

Previously, a presentation of Georgian dishes with a Far Eastern twist took place at a Khabarovsk restaurant as part of the international festival “Cuisine Without Borders.” Chefs created a menu that combined two cultures – Russian and Georgian – as a sign of friendship and mutual respect.

Jam Festival

The Jam Festival is a modern cultural event celebrating music, arts, and community, rather than a historical place. While its specific origins vary by location, such festivals are a contemporary tradition that often emerge from local music scenes. They typically feature live performances, food, and crafts, creating a vibrant gathering for people of all ages.

Vyazemsky district

The Vyazemsky District is a historic area in Smolensk Oblast, Russia, best known for the city of Vyazma, which was first mentioned in chronicles in 1239. It played a significant strategic role throughout history, most notably as the site of a major and tragic battle between Soviet and German forces during the Second World War in 1941. Today, the area is known for its historical monuments, including ancient churches, and its production of the traditional Vyazma gingerbread.

Dormidontovka

I am unable to provide a summary for “Dormidontovka” as I cannot find any verifiable information or significant cultural, historical, or geographical references to this name. It is possible it refers to a very localized or obscure place, or the name may be misspelled.

Grandma’s Jam

“Grandma’s Jam” is not a recognized historical or cultural site, but rather a common term for homemade preserves. It evokes a nostalgic cultural tradition of families passing down recipes through generations. This practice represents a heritage of home cooking and preserving seasonal fruits.

Khabarovsk

Khabarovsk is a major city in the Russian Far East, founded as a military outpost in 1858 and named after the 17th-century explorer Yerofey Khabarov. It is known for its scenic location on the banks of the Amur River and features historic architecture, including the iconic Transfiguration Cathedral.

Cuisine Without Borders

“Cuisine Without Borders” is not a specific physical place but a global culinary movement and philosophy that celebrates cultural exchange through food. It emphasizes breaking down cultural and geographical barriers by sharing recipes, techniques, and ingredients from diverse traditions. This concept promotes the idea that food is a universal language that can foster understanding and connection between different communities.