Village Smolkino

Sights
The village of Smolkino is located in the western part of the Samara Region, near the border of the Ulyanovsk Region. It is nestled in a valley between numerous hills covered with pine forests—the Racheiskaya taiga. The village's surroundings include numerous unique natural features: the Racheisky Pine Forest, the Racheiskaya Taiga, the Seven Springs, the Mokhovoye and Uzilovo Bogs, the Racheisky Rocks, the Source of the Usa River, the Gremyachiy Fountain, and the Malousinsky Upland Pine and Oak Forests—all of which are designated natural monuments of regional significance. The village was first mentioned in 1733. Its name derives from the ancient craft of tar production. According to another version, the village received its name from the name or nickname of its first resident, the hunter Smolyan.
After a major renovation, the Chuvash Cultural Center opened at the Smolkino Community Center. The Center's main activities include preserving the traditions and customs of our ancestors and expanding the museum's collection (household utensils, arts and crafts). Amateur arts clubs, including folklore and vocals, are also available. The "Masterilka" hobby club offers opportunities to develop children's creative talents.
The Center hosts concerts, recreational evenings, exhibitions of arts and crafts masters, competitions, game programs, and holidays for people of all ages.

Food, terroirs, accommodation
Kyor-Sari, a Chuvash national drink, is made by Chuvash women during the summer haymaking season to quench the thirst of the workers. The drink gives strength and restores physical fitness. Kory-Sari is made from two main ingredients: barley malt and hops. There are many variations of this drink, including the addition of various medicinal herbs, fruits, and berries.

Smolkino Ecovillage Agricultural Tourism https://vk.com/smolkino2019
Samara Region, Syzran District, Smolkino village +7 9376649977

How to get there
1. By private transport
The village of Smolkino is located practically on the border of the Ulyanovsk and Samara regions in the Syzran District. From the M5 highway, without entering Syzran, turn toward the village of Zaborovka. Drive through Zaborovka, then to the village of Zhemkovka. Drive to the village of Staraya Racheyka. Do not enter the village itself; take the main road around the intersection and turn right at the intersection, following the sign for Smolkino village. It's 11 km from Staraya Racheyka village to Smolkino village, and 40 km from the turnoff from the M5 highway.
2. By public transport
The nearest large city from Smolkino is Syzran. It can be reached by train, commuter train, bus, and river transport. The distance from Syzran to Smolkino is approximately 60 km. Bus #164 runs from the Syzran-1 railway station square directly to Smolkino via Staraya Racheyka. A commuter train (Syzran-1 - Inza) also runs to Staraya Racheyka. The distance from Staraya Racheyka to Smolkino is approximately 11 km.

Museums
Smolkino Community Center. Exhibition of museum exhibits (household utensils, arts and crafts).
Address: Samara Region, Syzransky District, Smolkino village, st. Sovetskaya, 47.
https://vk.com/public222547385

Calendar of Events
1. The Chuvash national holiday "Uchuk," organized with the support of the Samara Regional Chuvash Cultural Society "Pekhil" ("Blessing"), the Samara Region State Institution "House of Friendship of Peoples," and the Administration of the Syzran Municipal District of the Samara Region.
Uchuk (uy chuke, "field prayer") is a prayer for a good harvest, warmth, and rain. It is a type of national mass ritual. It is usually performed during dry periods at water sources, among fields, ravines, in hollows, and on hills. The culmination of the Uchuk holiday is a ritual that begins with a prayer for a good harvest, warmth, and rain, and ends with a communal round dance in several rings—a symbol of infinity, harmony, sun, and fertility. The core of the festive program is performances by Chuvash amateur folklore groups from the Samara Region.
2. "Smolkinskie Posidelki," which brings together national delegations from rural settlements in the Syzran District and the Syzran Urban District, where they showcase their national creative talents, costumes, dishes, and games.
3. The Festival of National Cultures, "In the Friendship of Peoples is the Unity of Russia," promotes the preservation of national cultures and traditions, bringing together people of different nationalities in a single festive family: Chuvash, Ukrainians, Russians, Mordvins, Tatars, and others.
4. "Nikolaev Readings," in memory of Professor V.V. Nikolaev, whose life and destiny were connected with the Chuvash people and the land of the Syzran District.
5. As part of the regional project "Silver to the Village," a concert program, "Yura - Khalah Chune" (Song - the Soul of the People).

Useful links
https://vk.com/video555219020_456239607?list=762013996dfdf565f4