What Sorochyntsi Fair looked like 50 years ago: historical photos

The fair in the village of Velyki Sorochyntsi, Poltava region, is called the most famous and largest in Ukraine. This colorful event attracts thousands of visitors every year who want to feel the spirit of Ukrainian culture and traditions.

The first mention of the fair dates back to the 18th century. Today, the event has become a real celebration of folk crafts, music, dance and cuisine. Historical photos of the Sorochyntsi Fair dating back to the 1970s have been posted online.

Due to the favorable location of Velyki Sorochyntsi at the intersection of trade routes, the fair quickly became known among merchants and craftsmen in the eighteenth century.

The popularity of the fair was also facilitated by the publication of the story "Sorochyntsi Fair", which was included in the collection "Evenings on a Farm near Dykanka" by Nikolai Gogol.

The fair is held annually at the end of August on a 16.2-hectare open-air area in Velyki Sorochyntsi. It is not only a trade in goods, but also a large-scale cultural event. It combines exhibitions of folk artists, concerts, theatrical performances and other entertainment programs. The fair helps to preserve and popularize Ukrainian traditions, crafts, and national cuisine.

With the advent of Soviet rule, fairs were liquidated. All trade in the villages was transferred to cooperatives and controlled by the state.

The revival of traditions began in 1966. Many representatives of various organizations and factories came to the Sorochyntsi Fair, not only from Poltava region, but also from many other regions, and even from abroad. Visitors came to Sorochyntsi to buy a variety of things and goods that were scarce at the time. They were not deterred even by the fact that the fairgrounds were just a field with no facilities for participants and guests.

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