A little bit about the culture of Irkutsk... Irkutsk is a city in Eastern Siberia, Russia. It’s located on the shores of the Angara at confluence with the Irkut (hence the name of the city), 66 km west of Lake Baikal. Irkutsk is known as cultural centre of Eastern Siberia, there are more than 30 museums in the city, limnological museum in in Listvyanka village near Ikutsk is the most famous. City Day is celebrated every year in Irkutsk in early June. Traditionally, city government opens new cultural facilities in honor of the holiday. So, Museum of History of Irkutsk started to work after reconstruction in 2009. Parades of brides, Tikhvin fair are held on this day. Also, pop, jazz and folk ensembles perform on this day. This celebration is always finished with fireworks. Buryat folk festivals are celebrated in Irkutsk region – Sagaalgan in early February (it’s New Year according to lunar calendar) and sport event Surharban in the summer. On the largest scale, these festivals are held in the museum "Taltsy". An important holiday in Irkutsk is Day of the Baikal, which is celebrated annually August 26th. This event has educational character. On this day ecologists hold rally in defense of the lake, lectures, tell about Lake Baikal and its unique world.