The agro-town of Belaya Dubrova in Kostyukovichi District is renowned for its long-standing tradition of goose farming, once a staple of nearly every household. Beyond a symbol of prosperity, the bird even functioned as a form of currency. This heritage is now celebrated through the Goose Festival, an extraordinary 30-year-old event featuring ancient rituals, goose races, concerts, and local treats. This tradition dates back to the 19th century. BelTA correspondents visited the event to explore how these age-old customs blend with the present and why the celebration captivates both young and old. Local residents no longer remember exactly how the agro-town became the goose capital of Kostyukovichi District, as geese have always been kept here.
According to Chairman of the Belaya Dubrova Village Executive Committee Mikhail Krymkov, geese are now more of a hobby for local residents. “That said, the area has a deep-rooted history and enduring tradition of goose husbandry. This bird was both a currency and a means of survival in times of hunger,” he said. “In Belaya Dubrova alone, there are still at least 100 birds kept on about 25 farmsteads. I’m from here myself. My grandmother lived by the river, and I grew up helping her tend the geese and ducks. You’d let them out in the morning, and they would manage themselves all day, feeding and wandering freely. Yes, they can nip sometimes, but that’s usually a reaction to fear or an instinct to protect their young. The key is not to show fear; if you’re calm, they’ll leave you be.”
Among those who keep geese is local resident Lyudmila Streltsova. The 65-year-old woman comes from a goose-keeping family. “My grandmother kept birds, then my mother. They made feather pillows and comforters. So now I continue all this,” she said.
In winter, the birds are kept in a warm shed, but in summer they are on their own. Lyudmila Streltsova pastures them by the river (the Besed River flows right by her house). To keep a better eye on them, she even follows them in a boat, otherwise they can drift far with the current, but this way they are always under supervision.
“They once wandered off in the summer and didn’t show up for a week. I found them later and herded them home through the forest so they wouldn’t scatter,” the agro-town resident said.
In general, geese are very intelligent birds: they know where home is, they don’t let unfamiliar geese near; they might even fight. And they can predict the weather. If a goose stands on one leg outside on a winter day, severe frost is ahead. This theory was immediately tested right in the yard: upon leaving the shed, one of the birds promptly tucked up a leg. We checked the forecast for the coming days and saw that the goose was right.
Geese, the woman explained, provide meat, feathers for pillows and comforters, and useful fat. “People often ask me for goose fat, it’s a very beneficial thing. But I don’t sell anything, I just give it away,” she noted.
Lyudmila Streltsova believes that the festival in the agro-town is a necessary and important thing. “This way history and our traditions are preserved,” she concluded.
According to Sergei Bulenkov, head of the Culture Department of the Kostyukovichi District Executive Committee, the Goose Festival is a long-awaited event for the residents of the agro-town and the entire Kostyukovichi District: “It is held every year on 31 January to coincide with Athanasius Day, which is regarded as a feast honoring the protector of animals. The festival masterfully blends historical heritage with contemporary celebration. We are always delighted to welcome guests, as it allows us to share our traditions, local history, and unique character.”
The festival program was rich and varied. Through artistic performances and theatrical sketches, the mood among guests and participants remained vibrant despite the biting cold. The crafts fair, steaming bowls of fish soup, and cups of hot tea further enhanced the atmosphere and provided much-needed warmth.
A truly authentic highlight was the ritual of dividing the goose. Women in traditional costumes presented plates to guests, each portion carrying a symbolic wish: a wing promised great heights, a leg foretold a long journey. In return, each guest offered a blessing for the agro-town and its people.
The undisputed highlight and most spectacular event of the holiday was the goose races. The challenge was simple: cover 15 meters. Declaring a winner, however, was anything but simple. Amidst a chorus of calls and cheers, the geese – truly independent spirits – largely followed their own pace, unmoved by the enthusiastic pleas from the sidelines.
The festival drew residents from across the agro-town, who arrived with friends and entire families. Local resident Anna Isayeva was among those who chose to spend her Saturday at the festival, attending with her youngest daughter, Polina. “It’s wonderful to have a holiday like this in our village,” she said with a smile. “The Goose Festival is a cherished tradition and something truly special to our community. I’m sure you won’t find anything else quite like it. That’s why we invite everyone to come and see for themselves. This is how we keep alive the history of our area, which has always been known for goose breeding. We pass it on to our children, because I believe it’s vital for everyone to know the history, culture, and traditions of where they live.”
Yekaterina Gashnikova came with her family to enjoy the festive atmosphere. “Events like this show that our agro-town is alive and doing well. Here, people can recharge with positive energy and socialize. The adults love it; we dance and sing. And the children are completely enchanted by everything happening. Our festival is not merely a celebration. It carries forward the traditions of past generations and our history. This is our brand. And we want both our agro-town and the festival to continue developing.”
Anastasia GUZOVSKAYA,
photos by Oleg FOINITSKY,
BelTA
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