Vladimir Romashkin, a leading figure in the Erzya national movement, was commemorated

On 5 September 2026, the village of Vir Tavla (Russian: Podlesnaya Tavla) hosted the 10th Erzya traditional song festival ‘Toramasj terdi’ (‘Toorama’s Call’), which was originally established by the friends of Vladimir Romashkin (Erzya: Yovlan’ Olo). From the very beginning, the festival has been dedicated to the memory of Vladimir Romashkin (1951–2002), a folklorist, ethnologist and founder of the Toorama folk ensemble, whose 75th birthday would have been on 6 September this year.

A few years before his death, Romashkin bought a small cottage in the village of Vir Tavla, which now houses the V. Romashkin House Museum, established by the village’s woodcraft artisans. The festival was held in the square next to the museum, featuring performances by several Erzya folk ensembles, whose repertoire included arrangements of folk songs. The folk ensemble Merema performed authentic Erzya songs. At the end of the concert, Vladimir Romashkin’s son, Andrei Romashkin, presented the Toorama ensemble’s new album Kor (Nature), which features old Erzya and Moksha folk songs in electronic arrangements.

In addition to the music, those present were able to admire famous traditional Erzya woodcarvings and sample traditional Erzya dishes.

Vladimir Romashkin

Vladimir Romashkin was one of the leading figures of the Erzya national movement, a scholar who devoted his entire life to researching the folk culture of the Erzya and Moksha peoples and who revived the traditional Erzya singing tradition. To this end, in 1990 he founded the folk ensemble Toorama, whose repertoire included old Erzya and Moksha polyphonic male chants. These were performed so authentically and powerfully that the ensemble achieved immense popularity both in Mordovia and abroad. The ensemble also visited Estonia on several occasions, performing at the Viljandi and Võru folklore festivals, as well as on numerous occasions at ethnic heritage days. As a person, Vladimir Romashkin was a charismatic ensemble leader who captivated audiences completely and had a profound influence on the singing culture of the Erzya and Moksha peoples. In recognition of his work for his people, he was awarded the Order of the Cross of Maarjamaa, 5th Class, in 2001.