Another Tasty Record? Syty Babr Festival Dates Set in Irkutsk
It traditionally takes place on the square near the monument to Alexander III.
Feb 3, 2026 0
The festival is known for setting food records and hosting culinary competitions, with organizers expecting increased attendance.
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The date for the summer gastronomic festival «Syty Babr» (meaning «full babr», a mythological Siberian creature) in Irkutsk has been announced. It will take place on June 27–28. This was reported by the event organizers.
The gastronomic festival is held on the square in front of the monument to Alexander III. The area typically features a food court, a play zone, a fair, and a stage with activities.
A hallmark of «Syty Babr» in recent years has been the setting of «tasty records». For example, in 2023, a mosaic of Lake Baikal«s silhouette was created from 15,000 sushi rolls; in 2024, 500 liters of okroshka (a cold soup) and 5,000 pizzas were prepared; and in 2025, the largest brownie cake with lingonberries in Russia was made, weighing over 2 tons.
In addition, competitions among culinary professionals are held: in 2024, chefs from «Kombinat Pitaniya» (Food Combine) showcased their skills, and in 2025, a championship among head chefs of Irkutsk restaurants took place.
Last year, the festival was attended by 55,000 people; this year, organizers expect 65,000 guests, tourists, and Irkutsk residents to come to the event.
A journalist from «IrCity» did not criticize the festival organization in 2025 but rated it a «three out of five» in his column.
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