Shashlik on May-Days
May-Days are definitely associated with shashlik parties in the country.
Wikipedia definition:
“A form of Shish kebab popular throughout the former Soviet Union . Shashlik is generally either beef, pork, or lamb, depending on local preferences or religious observances. These skewers of meat are either all meat, all fat, or alternating pieces of meat and fat. Meat for Shashlik (as opposed to other forms of Shish kebab) are usually marinated overnight in a high-acidity marinade like vinegar, dry wine or sour fruit/vegerable juice with the addition of herbs and spices. Shashlik is usually cooked on a grill called a mangal.”
In Sakha (Yakutia) pork is the most popular meat for shashlik to be made of. Why pork? It is cheap. Lamb is considered to be more expensive because of high delivery expenses. Lamb meat is imported from the south of Russia. Meanwhile, beef is mostly used for home-made meal. Beef is too sacred for shashlik.
Shashlik season starts actually from the very moment when weather allows people to stay outside for a few hours without the risk of being frozen. First parties occur usually in late March or early April. In that period, Yakutsk's most appropriate place for shashlik is Chochur Mouran hills. Not far from the downtown. People may have tobogganing and eat shashlik. If it's getting cold, one may get inside a car and warm oneself for a while.
The advantage of May-Days is the possibility to stay outside all the day. No need to hide inside a shelter.
A shashlik party gives cause for families, friends or colleagues to gather, go out of towns or settlements, take a rest in outdoor activities like soccer, volleyball, games. A shashlik party is the chance to have fun in chatting with friends and relatives. Being alone with nature, folk may forget about work, household chores, and any other cares.
So, how does shashlik party start?
First, people attend market-places to buy shashlik meat. Nowadays, ready-marinated meat is much in demand. Three kilograms of meat seem enough for ten persons.
Second, campers visit warehouses to purchase products and, certainly, alcoholic beverages. Surprisingly, a shashlik party without drinks seems impossible. Vodka for man, beer for youngsters, wine for woman, juice for kids. To drink is not obligatory. However, to have some is a must. There are two rules to avoid troubles. Drinking must be responsible and drivers should stay sober under any circumstance.
Third, people tend to participate in holiday events. They march past with workers on May 1, watch the military parade on May 9. Taking part in celebration is the way to get quickly into a cheerful mood prior to shashlik party.
Forth, gather good companions you are glad to see and share shashlik time, find enough vehicles and just go out.
Written by YakutiaToday.Com |
