Not-so-tedious times in Tatarstan

There's really nothing quite like Karavon, Tatarstan's principal folklore festival. Set in the picturesque Tatar village of Nikolskoe, both its friendly, full-on atmosphere and unique setting are sure to blow the mind of any discerning traveler.
One of the first sights I came across upon arrival was an elderly woman of at least 70 years dancing rather well in front of a Russian folk group, comprised of soldiers and plump old women in traditional dress. And what a group. The music and costumes surrounding me at the festival could have taken me back 200 years, and I was simply in awe. This was a true welcome.
A performance by locals ensued, both young and old. A history of the republic was sung, danced and acted out incredibly. The president of Tatarstan even came along to give a speech about how he loved the passionate preservation and committed continuation of his native culture. A camel also decided to make an appearance later on, which made me feel like I was a few more thousand miles into the East.
Held in mid-May, the festival's weather, too, was reminiscent of the Middle East (I even got a little sunburn to prove it).
Later on in the afternoon, I wandered off towards the banks of the lake to sit and cool down. Here, my face was met with a sensation both unknown and second to none; the rise in temperature and sheer humidity between two and three steps of my foot was extraordinary. What's more, there weren't even any midges to be bitten by.
As I fancied grabbing my own bite to eat, Karavon fortunately packed a wealth of stalls selling fresh-off-the-grill shashlik, Russian pastries and kvass - I might as well have been in heaven. Needless to say, my stomach was sufficiently lined for a very good price indeed, and for the many hours which followed.
Even shoppers wouldn't have been disappointed; the festival boasts its own market, where one can buy all things handmade from all corners of Tatarstan. My personal favorite was a particular stall selling handmade slippers of all shapes and sizes - this also happened to be where I purchased my beautiful new tubeteika.
There really are no faults to this festival, and a truly perfect day was spent in, effectively, 'the middle of nowhere', despite Nikolskoe being only 40 minutes out of a metropolis. Transport to and from the festival was also free, which is always a plus. If you're a thrifty traveler, well, you've got a free day out ahead of you.