Newsletters
The ice-covered surface of Lake Cildir, stretching across the Kars and Ardahan, became the setting for the second Cildir Lake Ice Festival, an event organized by the Kars Governorship to promote the region’s natural beauty and winter tourism.
Surrounded by snow-covered plains and crisp mountain air, the lake transformed into a living stage where culture, sport and tradition met.
Among the most striking scenes of the festival were the horse-drawn sleigh races, a tradition that has become inseparable from Lake Cildir during winter months. As horses pulled wooden sleighs across the thick ice, spectators watched with excitement, witnessing a practice that has long been part of local life and winter travel.
Also lake turned into a vast open-air sports arena as ice hockey players, synchronized ice skaters, and artistic figure skaters took to the natural ice. Unlike standard indoor rinks, the frozen lake presented unique challenges.
National skating athletes delivered performances that combined technical skill with artistic expression, skating on a natural surface under the open sky.
The festival attracted from local and as well as visitors from surrounding provinces and abroad. Tourists, photographers and winter sports enthusiasts filled the area.
The event also featured performances by Caucasian and local folk dance groups. These performances showcased the region’s cultural traditions and were held directly on the frozen surface of the lake.
Set as preferred source
5 min read
