The Russian Community in Ensenada
Posted on Wed, Aug 15, 2012 @ 12:38 PM
Ensenada it is recognized because of the warmth of its citizens, due to this, people from all over the country and even from other continents has chosen this city as their permanent home. The arrival of immigrants has been constant and as a result Ensenada has gained cultural contributions from these immigrants in economic, social, educational and culinary activities.
A good example of this is undoubtedly the Russian community, one of the oldest communities in Ensenada established in Valle de Guadalupe. There were four groups of Russian migrants that arrived to Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada and Tijuana in Baja California. In 1905 the first group arrived to Valle de Guadalupe and formed a 70 families colony; followed by a second group of soldiers who lost the revolution and took refuge with them in 1924.
Nowadays they properly do not have an association, but share a common interest: the Russian cemetery. They meet some times usually when they have the visit of Russian ambassador who brings Russia cultural material or gives conferences. In the traditional event “Ensenada de Todos, Suma de Culturas” they participate by cooking different dishes like Shashlick (marinated lamb kebabs), pirogi (mince pies with cucumber, sweet potato and a seasoned cabbage) and the typical drink, Kuaz; also everyone who is part of the Russian community dresses with typical clothing and shares some old family photos with the event’s attendees.
Two interesting places to visit and learn more about this community are the Russian Community Museum, in which you will find old instruments and pictures from the first Russian settlers, and the Historical Community Museum that shows the Kumiai cultural heritage as well as the influence of the Russian immigrants in the region, both museums are located in Valle de Guadalupe.