Mari El > Yoshkar Ola

Yoshkar Ola

Walking around Yoshkar-Ola, you travel through both space and time! The city is unusual: its historic center was rebuilt in the 21st century, and the unique architectural ensemble combines the traditions of European and Russian architecture. The Kokshaga River embankments resemble those of Northern European capitals, where elegant facades stand in close proximity to each other. The numerous churches and cathedrals correspond to traditional Orthodox canons.

When the Yoshkar-Ola chimes strike, time slows down for people who see this magnificent spectacle! Only here, in the capital of Mari El, can you find two working clocks with dynamic sculpture compositions: the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem and the Appearance of the Three-Handed Icon of the Mother of God. The clock's complex mechanism is unique: it was developed in Mari El, and some of its parts are patented. The accuracy of the chimes is regulated by satellite. The sculptures themselves have been painted by icon painters and consecrated.

Old Tsaryovokokshaysk was mostly built in wood, but several merchant mansions made of stone have survived in the historic center. In the house of the merchant Naumov, there is the Pampalche of the Silver Teeth Museum of Mari Fairytales, which introduces residents and visitors of the city with unique Mari folklore, The Chulkov House hosts the City History Museum.

City Day

Yoshkar-Ola City Day is celebrated on August 6 - or, if the date falls on a workday, on the following Saturday. Large-scale festivities are held everywhere: concerts, exhibitions, fairs, creative contests and sports competitions. Fans of extreme sports can see motorcycle, bicycle, and roller skating shows. Museums display exhibits dedicated to the history of the city. The holiday ends with evening fireworks.

Theaters

Experimental performances of the Republic's theaters are very popular with local audiences. The first Mari rock opera «ViyAr Me» («Biarmia») and the documentary theatre play «Kyrla. The Road to Life», dedicated to the legacy of Mari actor Yivan Kyrla, were staged at the Shketan Mari National Drama Theater. The ethnofuturistic mystery play «Yud Orol» («Night Watch»), staged at the Republican Puppet Theater, was nominated for the Golden Mask Russian National Theater Award.

The first performance of the All-Mari Children's Choir took place on the stage of the Republican Opera and Ballet Theater in 2018. It was warmly received by music lovers. The choir consists of more than 450 students of children's art schools across the Republic. Many of them study at the National Presidential School for Gifted Children, which trains future musicians, performers and artists.

Museums

Permanent exhibitions in the city's museums are dedicated to the past and present of the Mari land. Founded over 100 years ago, the Yevseev National Museum is the oldest in the Republic. In recent years, many new museums were opened in Yoshkar-Ola. The Museum of Archeology, located on the Bruges Embankment, opened its doors in 2018. The Blagoveshchenskaya Tower Culture and Exhibition Center has been operating since 2018. It features an observation deck with stunning views of the Kokshaga River Embankments, the Annunciation Cathedral and Square.