What is Kazantip? Ha, we would like to know the answer to this question. We have been looking for him for 18 years, and we believe that you, too, could not answer the most important question in life “who am I?” in a nutshell, and we do not mean your name or occupation.
What we know for sure about ourselves is what we are not. For example, we are definitely NOT a FESTIVAL, as the press likes to call us (we prefer the word "project"). And we are not the Kazantip peninsula in some distant Crimea, as Google Maps would answer your question, although we originated from there. At the same time, Google Maps would not be able to find on the world map even the tiniest - smaller than Liechtenstein and Monaco - the super-closed state of the not-for-everyone Republic of Kazantip, although that is exactly what we are.
Thus, now you already know that the Republic of Kazantip is a non-existent state somewhere in the Crimea, from the outside it looks like a festival. Well, that's already good.
The Republic of Kazantip, like all ideas, originated from the head of one person who was not satisfied with the gray and monotonous world around. He did not criticize and remake it, but simply created his own - his own Orange country with its own fairer laws, and appointed himself its President. And since all this came from his fiction, the Republic of Kazantip is a fictional republic. It is quite small - it occupies only a couple of square kilometers of the beach on the territory of the real-life neighboring state of Ukraine. In general, the territory on which not universal world laws, but the laws of your dreams operate, does not have to be huge. The main thing is that everything is your way.
The tiny Republic of Kazantip exists in a parallel reality, but despite this, everything in it is exactly the way the President wants: "summer all year round and life without panties." It has the sea and the beach, there is always music, there is a holiday every day, the wind blows there and you can ride kites, wallow in the sun or dance in the sea. And most importantly, here you can do nothing if you don’t want to and do EVERYTHING you want. This small world is inhabited not by boring adults, but by cheerful, tanned loafers who, like the President, do not want to say goodbye to childhood. The fact that Kazantip does not exist for the rest of the world makes it very independent. She lives by her own Constitution, she has a Great People, a Little President and a ridiculous Government, which is responsible for the implementation of the most important things - Sound, Light, Good Mood, Love, Virtual Affairs, Illusions, etc. There is also a visa regime, customs, national traditions and national religion - belief in miracles. Well, and all that.
If we talk about how other, more normal people perceive our fictional world, then for them Kazantip is a major international “festival of club culture”, which takes place every year in August on the Black Sea coast on the Crimean peninsula, Ukraine (a neighboring country of the former USSR). It lasts about a month (end of July - end of August) and gathers over 100 thousand people in the audience. Hundreds of the best Russian and foreign DJs, dancers, musicians, performers and other creative people take part in it. Despite the small territory, there are about 10 dance floors, about 30 bars and restaurants, 2 open-air cinema halls, 3 kite stations, and a lot of strange architectural structures. All this is equipped with light and sound, and at night it turns into a kind of space station. The project is based in a very small provincial village by the sea. Most often, normal people compare the Republic of Kazantip with Ibiza and Burning Man. They probably think that, like Ibiza, the Republic of Kazantip is one big open-air party by the sea for a month, DJs, dancers, beautiful girls and endless shows. Or that, like in the BurningMan project, Kazantip is a party of psychos and freaks with an obsessive idea of self-expression and pagan traditions of worshiping fire and the sun.
It all happened in 1992 and began as a windsurfer competition with 78 participants and 600 fans. To make it more fun for them to hang out on the beach, the future President of the Republic, and then the President of the Windsurfers Association, Nikita turned on a tiny sound on the beach. The following year, when even more fans arrived, DJs were among them, who brought records with them so as not to be bored.
The competition took place on a peninsula called Kazantip, not far from an abandoned nuclear power plant that was left unfinished after the Chernobyl accident, and it stood in the middle of the field like a huge, incredible Hollywood set for an apocalypse movie. In 1997, the President committed madness - he threw a party at the nuclear power plant "Night in the Reactor", which marked the beginning of the tradition of Atomic Nights and went down in the history of the Russian rave movement.
For 7 years, from a small party of surfers and their friends - progressive youth, people who prefer outdoor activities and extreme sports, musicians, DJs, journalists - the RFA Championship has turned into, although rather underground, but international "Festival of everything in the world that associated with summer, sea and sex”, held outdoors every August for a couple of weeks. (Music and extreme sports also turned out to be associated with it.) By 1999, it was already visited by
12,000 people.
In 2000, the "Festival" was forced to move to another place - it was then that it ceased to be a Festival and became the Independent Orange Republic of Kazantip, freely moving in space wherever its President pleases and where the best people will be. The Republic of Kazantip borrowed its name from the cape where it used to live, and carried away with it all its followers, who now became citizens or the Great Nation, ruled by the Little President.
For a couple of years, the Republic wandered, and every August it was necessary to look for its secret location. But since 2001, she settled where you can find her now - in the small village of Popovka, in the Crimea, on the shores of the blue Black Sea. Since then, the Republic of Kazantip has its own small territory isolated from the world (only a couple of square kilometers, but periodically it expands). The Republic has everything necessary for the life of its citizens - bars, cafes, restaurants, the Internet, first-aid posts, toilets, visa service, customs, but most of all - stages and dance floors.
Orange has become the national color of the Land of Rising Happiness, glasses, shorts and a T-shirt have become national clothes, the national attribute of a z-citizen is an old-fashioned yellow suitcase that gives the right to visa-free travel to the republic - and, accordingly, a visa regime was introduced. The utopian Republic of Kazantip lived and lives under various dreamy slogans, such as “You dreamed everything and still dream”, “You won’t find a better country” or “The next Kazantips will be on Mars”.
You can learn more about the Republic of Kazantip here.
It is unlikely that there will be at least one person whose youth passed in the 2000s and he has never heard of Kazantip. Yes, friends, this is the very grandiose electronic music festival, which annually attracted thousands of young (and not only) people from different parts of our country, near and even far abroad, in order to have a good time! The atmosphere of a club mega-party right on the sandy seashore, an endless stream of the coolest electronic tracks from the best DJs, hot dances, drive, freedom, sports entertainment, love and much more .. You need to plunge into this at least once and feel it for yourself, describe words, it is simply impossible! Today we will talk about the history of the Kazantip festival: its birth, name, development, reasons for the ban, renaming and relocation, as well as traditions, rituals and other features of an unusual and beloved by many events. At the end of the publication, we will tell you where the birthplace of Kazantip is located, how to get there, where to stay, what to see in the vicinity, which beaches are better to choose for relaxing in the legendary place.
Why is the festival called Kazantip
A cape called Kazantip is located in the Crimea, in its northeastern part, not far from the city of Shelkino. The name comes from the Turkic words, which mean "the bottom of the cauldron." Indeed, this cape with its shape resembles exactly a round cauldron, which is connected to the peninsula by a thin isthmus that separates the Kazantip and Arabat bays. Thanks to this location, this is just an ideal place for windsurfing. The steppe nature attracts directors here, for example, Bondarchuk's sensational film "Inhabited Island" was filmed here. Also here is the unfinished Crimean nuclear power plant. 
But usually those who ask a question about what Kazantip is and where it is located, in response, they will obviously hear not about a cape on the coast of Crimea, but about a music festival that has been held there for many years.
How did the electronic music festival begin?
It all started in the distant 90s. Windsurfing enthusiast Nikita Marshunok wanted to organize windsurfing competitions on the cape, after which parties were held on the beach. When the number of participants exceeded several thousand, Marshunok decided to hold a full-fledged electronic music festival in Kazantip. Moreover, the area near the abandoned nuclear reactor was just right for such a club atmosphere. 
Everything was successful, and 1995 is considered the birth of both the festival, which got its name from the cape, and the Kazantip movement. What's so unusual about this event?
Direction and style of music
Alternative music of different directions is welcome here: techno, drum and bass, electro house. Famous DJs and performers from all over Europe are invited to create a club atmosphere. The organizers of the festival conduct a preliminary selection among the compositions that will be played directly at Kazantip, because every year there are more and more people who want to conquer the world with their electronic hits.
Venue of the festival
From 1995 to 1999, this musical action took place on the peninsula of the same name in the Crimea. In 2000, Kazantip changed its location and moved south - to the outskirts of Sudak, and for the period from 2001 to 2012 it "registered" in the village of Popovka near Evpatoria. The festival was repeatedly banned by local authorities, so in 2013 it changed its name and became "Republic Z". But due to the political situation on the peninsula in 2014, lovers of alternative music had to fly to Georgia. In 2015, there was an interesting incident with the venue: at the beginning of the year, it was announced that the festival would be held in Cambodia, but local authorities banned and allowed the festival several times. Therefore, after all, he returned to his native Popovka.
How to get into the "Republic Z"
Kazantip gained such great popularity that such a movement became known as a republic. It has its own territory, and its own president Nikita the First, and its own rules of stay. So how do you get there? In order to cross the border of the "Republic Z", you need to purchase a visa. AT different years the cost of a visa varied from $55 to $250. It can be both single and multivisa. The fact is that the festival lasts from three weeks to a month, and many come here for almost the entire period. They fell in love with Kazantip so much that such an event becomes the main event of the summer for them, and they are not sorry to pay a lot of money for it.
But there is a way to stay in this "state" for free. You need to bring a yellow suitcase from the Soviet era, designed according to all the requirements of Kazantip, register it at the entrance, and then carry it everywhere and constantly with you, otherwise it threatens with deportation. A photo of the owner must be pasted on the inside of the suitcase. You can not give it to others for illegal border crossing, otherwise it will be burned.
During the day, Kazantip is more or less calm: people relax on the beach, light music sounds, at sunset everyone sees off the sun together (this event is called Sunset). 
But with the onset of darkness (from 23:00 to 9:00), all the dance floors are filled with people who light up all night to the rhythm of electronic hits. 
If we talk about the dark side of Kazantip, then there is an atmosphere of complete emancipation and the removal of all prohibitions. Alcohol flows like water, you can easily buy some types of drugs, you can often meet people walking around completely naked here, but there’s nothing to say about sex. But this is what attracts tens of thousands of people here, they call the festival the Republic of Freedom. 
So, what is Kazantip? It is one of the largest outdoor electronic music festivals in Europe.
The popularity of Kazantip
At one time, almost all advanced and reckless youth managed to be in the Crimea at least once at one of the festivals that took place.
Initially, it all started with the annual windsurfing and funboard competitions (sailboard with neutral buoyancy), which were held at Cape Kazantip, located on the Sea of Azov. Parties at the end of the tournaments became the starting point of the Republic of Kazantip.
In a short time, rules, symbols, traditions and a certain movement were formed, and the Republic of Kazantip festival acquired a cult status and fame in the post-Soviet space. The symbol of the "state" was a yellow suitcase, which means the possibility of free admission to the event. 
From 2001 to 2014, the holiday of music and freedom "registered" on the Black Sea coast in the village of Popovka near Evpatoria. Everything was fine, the atmosphere of universal happiness and freedom and various traditions were especially impressive.
Traditions and rituals of the Republic of Kazantip
Several rituals can be singled out at once, which distinguished the holiday from any other music festivals:
- "Sunset"(sunset - English sunset) - hundreds of people on the seashore met the sunset, which marked the beginning of a new crazy dance night.
- "Weddings"- despite the fact that marriage ceremonies were recognized only in the "country of parties", this did not stop the "newlyweds". All the most unusual was welcomed - home-made bright outfits and exchanges of various wondrous symbols of love. Like spoons! Anyone could marry - any number of times, with anyone.
- "Day of Happiness"- during the holiday, one day was determined, which became the local "national" holiday. On this day, every inhabitant of the "Republic of Kazantip" made fantastic crazy wishes, and for their fulfillment they called on "higher" creatures (any flying animals and even insects - for example, the sacred animal of the republic was the Ladybug). To do this, each "Republican" wrote down wishes on a piece of paper and tied it to a balloon. After that, all the balls were released into the sky, a bewitching sight.
- "Music, sports, freedom"- the main entertainment for young people throughout the holiday. Here you could meet a variety of competitions in "fashionable" sports - beach football, basketball, rock climbing and parkour, freestyle and wakeboarding, frisbee, kite surfing and armesling, mountain boarding and dirt jumping, base jumping, baseball and even golf. Tournaments even got their own designation - "Z-Games". Unusual event sports tourism.
- "Unusual architecture"- Kazantip was also known for its various religious buildings: stone henge, triumphal arch, palm alleys, bridge of love.
Why did the Crimean authorities ban Kazantip (18+)
From 1991 to 2014, the largest electronic music festival in the post-Soviet space, the Kazantip Republic, was held annually in Crimea. In a sense, it was the Russian analogue of the famous Burning Man: various holiday concepts that change every year, dance and sports grounds, naked girls, lounge bars, performances by DJs and music bands from all over the world. 
What went wrong, and why was the holiday banned by the Crimean authorities?
The reason for the ban "Kazantip"
In 2012, the last "Kazantip" passed on the territory on the Black Sea coast. A ban was imposed on the festival, the reason being the prohibited substances used by the festival participants. In 2014, Kazantip was held in the resort town of Anaklia on the Black Sea coast of Georgia.
The Crimean authorities decided never to hold the KaZantip festival and its derivatives on the peninsula again. According to prosecutor Natalia Poklonskaya, the ban was imposed for security reasons. The Crimean authorities had many questions about fire safety and sanitary standards. But most importantly, the question arose again about the distribution of drugs at the festival.
Today's youth does not know how to relax without "doping". Although perhaps the authorities began to "strain" excessive freedom and an endless sense of celebration. Shame, shame and all that. On the Internet you can find public sex videos on the beach "KaZantipa", even Burning Man does not allow himself this. 
Video conveying the atmosphere of "Kazantip":
Photos from life at the Kazantip festival:
What is the purpose of going to Kazantip
Kazantip is a place to make your dreams come true, where you can escape from the problems and restrictions of the real world for a short summer vacation, listening to beautiful music from hundreds of talented DJs and constantly dancing, feel the adrenaline rush from doing extreme sports, or just relax and unwind, enjoying happiness.
Simply put, kaZantip is a resort of almost 100,000 sq. m, located right on the shores of the beautiful Black Sea. On its territory there are specially designed dance floors, bars and lounge bars, sports fields, special areas for living and a separate parking lot.
Thousands of young people, mostly between the ages of 20 and 35, flock to the party land of kaZantip, becoming the paradiZer. They come from all over Europe, from Russia, Ukraine and the rest of the world to realize their dream of a quiet round-the-clock party, accompanied by "turntables" of the most talented DJs in the kaZantip community. Listening to music, dancing, meeting new people, having fun together - these are the priorities of kaZantip. On this territory you can find everything you want - from the zone a relaxing holiday to VIP accommodation and service, from X-sport events to the coolest water toys you've ever seen. 
As for sporting events, there is a 25,000 sq.m playground waiting for you and your friends. m with the most incredible equipment. If you're a professional, you can compete for the cash prize at the X Games. If you are just a fan, then you can have a good time on our site!
The Republic of KaZantip and the rules of residence
Entrance and exit to the closed complex is only through special gates, because this is an "independent republic".
It has its own government, headed by a queen, its own minister of foreign affairs (communication with the imperfect outside world), other ministers (ministers of happiness, dance and rave, intelligence, visual effects, illusions, etc.) and legislation.
The most important law that everyone must obey is: „b U!“ - be happy, have fun and enjoy life! 
Everyone who has purchased a multi-pass receives virtual citizenship of the country of parties, with all rights and obligations. Citizens who violate the rules (constitution) of kaZantip lose their multi-pass and are escorted back to the imperfect world. Those who are expelled several times are banned from entering party land for life.
However, everyone can keep the multi-pass for life and get the opportunity to purchase a new multi-pass every year and be a part of the kaZantip lifestyle and spirit. One of the cult customs is to wear multi-passes of yesteryear as trophies.
Orange happiness is the fate of the festival
The Republic of Kazantip is an annual music festival of international scale, which had various names, such as Kazantip and the Republic of Z, and took place on the territory of Crimea until 2013. In the post-Soviet space, the orange republic has rightfully received the status of the most famous electronic festival. Music groups from the most remote corners of the earth performed on the dance floors, and famous DJs lit club and electronic music. 
In 2014, having changed long-term traditions, Kazantip left the territory of Crimea for the first time and went to the coast of Georgia to Anaklia. Kazantip 2014 was held from 20 to 30 August on the Black Sea coast of the resort town. Not everything was as rosy as in the usual place. Citizens of the free Republic were accused of rather free behavior, and of symbolic marriages, and other sins, to which the inhabitants of Georgia, accustomed to honor traditions, could not turn a blind eye. True, Kazantip's admirers also had claims against the host country. Among them were the high cost of food, the increased activity of the local male population, the absence of sand and the usual gop-stop alley. Nevertheless, in spite of everything, Kazantip, although it was not able to transport everything to a new territory, nevertheless pleased its adherents with such dance floors as Plate, Space and Nest, as well as real palm trees and such necessary toilets, showers and equipped beaches with poufs and sunbeds.
And yet, in spite of everything, Kazantip left Georgia and headed not just anywhere, but to the very equator. The meeting place was Sihanoukville in Cambodia. 
Kazantip was supposed to receive new name z-island and a completely unusual time: February 2015. The citizens of the Orange Republic, as always, were ready for anything and were already packing their yellow suitcases when the local authorities announced the cancellation of the musical event. But this was not the end! This was just the beginning, as over the next 10 days, the ban and permit were reversed at a fairly high speed. And yet, Kazantip in Cambodia did not take place where it was planned to be held. Everyone who managed to arrive and fly in spent several unforgettable days in various local pubs, where the arriving DJs ignited the holidaymakers with their rhythms.
Having traveled around the world, the organizers of Kazantip decided to return to their native Crimea. On April 1, Nikita Marshunok, as an author, ideological inspirer, leader and founder of the Republic of Kazantip, announced an event called “Befooz”, which was supposed to start on July 31 on the coast of his beloved Popovka, in the Saki district. 
Unfortunately or fortunately for the project, Bifuz did not start in the format in which it was planned. But the people who gathered to visit the Museum of Modern Design and Architecture did not give up so easily.
They lit up on makeshift private dance floors, they sang in chorus when they were deprived of music, they simply enjoyed life with the sea and the sun, proving to themselves and to the whole world every day that the citizens of the Republic can bathe in Orange Happiness simply because they are really Happy. ! The leadership of this free Republic, taking care of the citizens, announced a vote, the results of which will determine the venue of Kazantip 2016. If you are not indifferent to fate, join the voting in the official group and express your own opinion. Be happy! Remember that life must be bright and full of events that many years later you will remember with a smile!
Official events of Kazantip
Kazantip's official events include:
- Mayovka— enthusiasts celebrate May Day in Popovka on the territory of the Republic.
- fast married- a wedding ceremony, including for those wishing to enter into a same-sex marriage, within the Republic will temporarily tie you in "marriage bonds".
- Z Games– sports competitions in water and beach sports, incl. extreme.
- Zimoffka— meeting of the New Year in Popovka on the territory of the Republic.
The official symbol of Kazantip
Among the official symbols of Kazantip is yellow suitcase. If you have done everything in accordance with the rules of suitcase building, then this subject of your pride, after certain registration procedures, will provide the right to free multiple entry to the territory of Kazantip. The suitcase from the 1970 film The Adventures of the Yellow Suitcase became the prototype of the Kazantip symbol. 
Why Kazantip moved to Vietnam
The famous Kazantip festival moves from the Crimea to distant Vietnam. It is expected that the open-air under the new Epizode brand will be held there from December 31 to January 14. Kazantip was actually expelled from Crimea by the Russian authorities, who in 2015 said that the ban on the festival was “a matter of national security” and “a way to protect young people from harmful addictions.” The Krym.Realii correspondent found out why Kazantip moved to Vietnam and what awaits its visitors. 
In 2016, for the first time in its long history, the Kazantip music festival was not held. In Crimea, it is now impossible to organize it - the local authorities controlled by Russia said they would not give permission for this. In summer, the organizer and ideological inspirer of the festival Nikita Marshunok said that Kazantip was moving to a new location. At the end of August, it turned out that Vietnam would be the venue. It is expected that the open-air will be held from December 31, 2016 to January 14, 2017 on the west coast of Phukok Island. 
The organizers gave the festival the name Epizode. Nikita Marshunok in the comments for Crimea. Realities said that, in fact, this is the successor of Kazantip, since the same people are engaged in its preparation. He added that holding the festival in the equatorial climate in winter was his longtime dream. His team chose Vietnam because, according to Marshunk, open air in this country is favored by a number of factors: loyalty to the authorities, logistics, climate and religion. 
“The last factor is important, since pseudo-moralism, which most often arises on religious grounds, sometimes greatly hinders the development of progressive projects. Islam and Orthodoxy are quite difficult for musical and creative innovations, and the Vietnamese are 80% atheists, which is a rare factor,” Marshunok said. 
He claims that before starting preparations for the festival, the organizers received all the necessary permits from the Vietnamese authorities. According to Marshunk, he and his colleagues are already accustomed to the fact that officials can change their minds at the most unexpected moment. But the Kazantip team hopes that this time everything will work out. 
“At the moment I am experiencing an unprecedented calmness - there is no trembling, unrest, worries. And above all, from the fact that I have already received tremendous creative satisfaction from what I and the entire brilliant team of our architects have done. And what exactly the project itself will be is not so important, because it never depends on me. Never. But only from you and a little from the authorities,” he said.
Story protests and struggle with the authorities for the right to host the festival
Since Russia took control of Crimea, the organizers of Kazantip have had to change the venue of the festival several times. Although initially Nikita Marshunok took the events of March 2014 with enthusiasm and said that the “Republic Z” would recognize Crimea as Russian even before the results of the “referendum”.
However, the optimism of the organizers was quickly replaced by disappointment. As early as May 2014, the Russian police violently broke up the so-called “Kazantip Republic Ministerial Summit”, a traditional May gathering of festival fans in the Crimean village of Popovka. Then the Federal Drug Control Service announced plans to arrange raids on Kazantip. To top it off, the authorities have begun to dismantle the fence in Popovka, enclosing the festival area. It became clear that it would be unrealistic to hold Kazantip in the Crimea in its former form.
And the organizers made a strong-willed decision and for the first time in the 21-year history of the festival they moved it to another country - Georgia. The resort town of Anaklia, located on the Black Sea coast near Abkhazia, became the new territory of the "Republic Z". At first, everything went well: the Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia signed an agreement with the organizers of the festival and local authorities began work to improve the infrastructure. Many residents of Anaklia even took loans from banks to improve their houses and prepare them for the influx of tourists. 
But in the end it turned out that the leadership of the "Republic Z" still overestimated the Georgian hospitality. The Georgian Orthodox Church reacted with hostility to the holding of an electronic music festival, known for the free manners of its visitors. The hierarchs of the GCC called for sermons not only not to participate in the event, but also "to actively oppose the planting of debauchery." The situation was aggravated by the fact that the time of the festival coincided with the fast in honor of the Holy Mother of God, which is of great importance for the Georgian Orthodox.
As a result, protesters gathered near the border of the “Republic of Kazantip” under the slogan “We will not let Anaklia turn into Sodom and Gomorrah.” The police could hardly hold back the onslaught of the crowd, which, with the participation of the priests of local churches, tried to break into the festival area, where work was underway on the construction of the stage and the preparation of equipment. 
The authorities were forced to take increased security measures, and visitors got to the open-air through metal detectors and after passing through a thorough check. The festival did take place, but many visitors complained about the lack of the signature spirit of freedom inherent in Kazantip. And in order to make concessions to the church, the Minister of Economic Development of Georgia even dismissed the head of the tourism agency.
The atmosphere of the Kazantip festival in the Georgian exile:
The organizers were forced to again look for a new location. In February 2015, Kazantip was supposed to take place in Kombodia, but this attempt turned out to be even more unsuccessful than the Georgian experience. A week before the start of the festival, local authorities banned it.
After unsuccessful attempts to move, the organizers decided to return to the Crimea - to their native Popovka. It was announced that the festival under the new name Befooz will take place in early August 2015. But on the eve of its opening, the Crimean authorities, controlled by Russia, said they were banning the event.
“The organizers of Befooz are not able to ensure the safety of citizens and comply with all sanitary and epidemiological standards in accordance with the requirements of the legislation of the Russian Federation,” the head of Crimea, appointed by Moscow, explained the reasons for the refusal. Sergei Aksenov.
But the organizers of Befooz decided not to refuse to hold it. Nikita Marshunok found a specific way out of the situation - he said that there would be no festival, because Befooz is not a festival. 
“We are a celebration of engineering, architectural ambitions, an exhibition of modern design achievements, the apotheosis of energy, and somewhere even a music and therapy resort,” Marshunok justified himself, adding that according to the documents, Befooz is not a festival, but a diner with a dance floor.
The Russian regulatory authorities did not seem to appreciate the humor of President Kazantip. On July 31, the Ministry of Emergency Situations disconnected the Befooz venue from power supply, and representatives of law enforcement agencies confiscated backup generators.
Thousands of fans of Kazantip did come to Popovka, but they were not destined to get into the territory of Befooz - it was cordoned off by OMON fighters. 
But the "great people of the Republic of Z" were not afraid of difficulties. The opening ceremony took place outside the Befooz site. Since the organizers could not connect the sound amplifying equipment to electricity, the festival visitors had to have fun to the accompaniment of a brass band. The "Feast of Disobedience" continued for several weeks, despite the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the prosecutor's office on the territory of the open air. In the daytime, OMON fighters removed the cordon from the festival area, where art objects and pavilions are located. And in this area there were costumed shows and discos.
Kazantip - rest is not for everyone
The annual Kazantip festival is an open-air event. Around only the sea, beach sand and a huge crowd of people. Most of them are young people who love club culture and music. The festival lasts three weeks, it is distinguished by a large number of speakers, as well as a wide variety of electronic music.
According to many eyewitnesses, the atmosphere at the festival is unforgettable. Professional DJs never leave the console for a minute, the music sounds almost around the clock. 
Kazantip leaves an indelible impression of the days and nights spent at sea. The main thing is that the weather is good. People who visited the Kazantip festival called it the "Land of Eternal Summer".
It is worth noting that this festival is not very suitable for a relaxing family holiday. This is a very intense and active event, requiring full dedication from its participants. Not every young man, even a music lover, is able to withstand the constant pressure of a three-week exposure to his eardrums. 
On Kazantip, many people from different countries meet, communicate with new people and find their love. If you want to have a great rest with both your soul and body, Kazantip makes it as easy as shelling pears.
Kazantip is a philosophy of rest in motion. This is the cleanest sea and sand, and awesome sun. This is a friendly attitude of all to all. This is a non-stop musical non-stop of the best DJs in Russia, Ukraine, Holland, England. These are girls on the beaches in Nude style ... and much more.
They love wine, champagne and stronger drinks here.. but even without all this, just entering the territory of Kazantip you really get drunk.. from the atmosphere of relaxation.. from music.. from constant jokes.. from people who know why they are here.
However, admission to the festival is not free. Kazantip during its existence acquired the status of a state, although in a figurative sense. The invention of the administration of the event did not end there. She developed the constitution of the Kazantip Republic, which states that a visa is required to get into the party. Translated into everyday language, this means that you need to purchase a ticket.
Dress code of Kazantip
Visitors to Kazantip are a very diverse people who come here from different countries. German, Italian, English speech was heard around. Of course, most visitors are Russian-speaking tourists, and if you are alone here, it will not be difficult for you to make new friends or join the company. After all, the main purpose of young people who are here is to enjoy communication and listening to music.
There is no special dress code for going to Kazantip, but if you have a creative spirit, you can choose an outfit or come up with war paint. 
But if there is no taste, then it is better not to experiment ... 
There are characters of children's matinees:
Show programs begin on the stages of Kazantip. The design and style are all on top, it is clear that the organizers plan each event well. 
Morning after night at Kazantip
After sunrise on Kazantip beach, here is a picture: 
Not everyone can stand the test of Kazantip. Drink yourself unconscious and fall asleep on the sand to the sound of the waves. Romance… And a paradise for pickpockets, so it’s better not to take expensive equipment and a wallet with cash and cards to such events. 
And you can start rocking the dance floor early in the morning. 
How much does a visa (ticket) for Kazantip cost, how to get
For those who are wondering "How to get to Kazantip", we answer. In order to get to the Kazantip festival, a visa is required. But not the one that is issued in the visa centers, but a special one - a plastic card, which gives the right to visit all Kazantip events throughout the entire duration of the festival. You can also call this visa a ticket to Kazantip. It is best to purchase a visa via the Internet, the prices of Kazantip can be found on the official website of Kazantip (http://kazantipa.net/viza). It is much cheaper than buying locally.
Until June 2014, a visa could be bought for 6,000 rubles ($175), in July-August it cost already 8,000 rubles ($233). And at the venue of Kazantip, directly at the entrance, the cost of a visa is from 9,000 rubles (262 dollars). In addition, if a visa is purchased via the Internet, there is no need to stand in a long queue at the Kazantip visa center. 
There is also a one-time visa: its cost is only 3,500 rubles. It gives the right to enter the territory of Kazantip and be at its events as long as you like. But as soon as the owner of such a visa leaves Kazantip, the visa loses its validity and becomes invalid. You can get such a visa on the official website of Kazantip, namely through the Visa Department. To obtain a single visa, you need to fill out a special application form, upload your photo and pay with a bank card (Masterard, Visa cards are accepted, as well as through Yandex Money or Webmoney).
Republic "Kazantip" on the world map
We are all used to saying: “the Republic of Kazantip”, “the Republic of Happiness”, but where is this fabulous country geographically located? Why can't Kazantip be found on the world map? Does anyone know where Kazantip is? In the light of recent events, even determining its current location is not an easy task, and even where it will pass next time and even more so. But, it is very interesting to try to find this point in space.
I propose to start with where Kazantip is not currently. For example, despite the fact that both Cape Kazantip (Google map) and Kazantip Bay (Yandex map) are easy to spot on the map, the republic itself is not there. How can this be? Very simply, the first article of the Constitution of the unrecognized republic grants it the right to move freely in space, to those places where it will be better for its people. Moreover, a recent amendment allowed Kazantip to choose places not only on land, but also anywhere in space, including on a ship. Thus, the republic left the place of its birth and went after the permanent president - Nikita Marshunk, and they walk around the planet in search of the promised land, towards dreams, despite hardships and hardships. 
As everyone knows very well, the history of the Republic of Kazantip really began with the cape of the same name back in 1983. Those who have not heard about this can easily find detailed information on the official website of Kazantip - I have no desire to reprint other people's articles for the sake of lazy people. I myself am an eyewitness to the events of such a long time, alas, I am not, therefore, I am unlikely to write more and better than those who have already done it. I propose to simply quickly go over the geography of the movements of the restless state:
- 1983 - Nikita's first acquaintance with Kazantip: Meet. Kazantip, this is Nikita. Nikita, this is Kazantip. Did you like each other?
- 1984-1995 Cape Kazantip gladly accepted the company of surfers, surfers reciprocated.
- 1995-1999 an unfinished nuclear power plant is discovered seven kilometers from Shchelkino, which for several years was the focus of the developing rave culture, making Kazantip a significant event in electronic music.
- 2000 temporary stop in one of the bays near Sudak.
- 2001-2013 the village period of the republic, which brought not only fame, but created a whole culture of Kazantip consumption in large quantities.
- 2014 Temporary stop in Georgia, for the first time received such a negative assessment from the great people. About how the republic was brought to the wild village of Anaklia, I wrote in a separate article.
- 2015 (winter) An attempt to teleport the Republic of Kazantip to Cambodia on a private island near Sihanoukville. The first Kazantip, which was banned, the first Kazantip, which was not, but one of the best.
- 2015 (summer) the triumphant return of the Republic of Kazantip to Popovka, in the new guise of Befuz - a real village disco.
- 2016 (summer) village disco for friends in Popovka, read in the article: how was Kazantip in Popovka 2016.
- 2016-2017 (winter, new year) Kazantip in Vietnam on the island of Phu Quoc.
As you can easily see, the Republic of Kazantip is far from being a place that can simply be marked with a dot on the map. It is quite difficult to keep track of where the next Kazantip took place, and more recently, it has become almost impossible to understand where the next one will be held. Someone in a panic begins to search for information, issue passports and save money for a new trip, someone continues to believe that Kazantip is people and goes to the village, to the homeland of the festival.
Where Kazantip takes place in 2018
The fact is that since 2013, Kazantip has not been held on the territory of Crimea anymore, the main reason for the closure of a large-scale party is the intake of prohibited substances by the participants of the festival. However, this did not stop the organizers and they moved the annual festival either to Georgia or to Cambodia. To date, Kazantip has settled in Vietnam, on the tropical island of Phu Quoc, although you will not find it under its former name. Now it is held on New Year's Eve and is called Episode (Epizode).
What Kazantip is remembered for
Where the Kazantip passes, a calm measured life explodes with a bright extravaganza. This is a breathtaking show. People who love freedom, the sea and the sun, life and communication gather here. People come here to look at others, and to show themselves. The noise of the surf is drowned out for all 24 hours a day by a variety of music. Everyone is welcome here who has a pass ticket in his hands - a yellow suitcase. It has already happened that this particular attribute has become a symbol of a place called Kazantip. 
Along the entire beach strip near Popovka there are about a hundred bars, more than ten dance floors, attractions, Internet cafes, sports grounds, restaurants and cafes. In 2007, a kind of overpass and an unusual building called "Mars" were built on the same beach, where not everyone can get, but only by special invitation. Over time, fashion hangout has grown into something more. 
Many of the participants absolutely do not care where Kazantip takes place, they gather every year in Evpatoria, Feodosia, Kerch in mid-July and from there go to the very epicenter of musical events. Hundreds of DJs, among which there are guests from the capital and abroad, are happy to demonstrate their creativity to thousands of music fans. Here they rest, forget about everyday problems, rejoice and become liberated. 
How to get to the birthplace of Kazantip
Cape Kazantip is located on the Sea of Azov and is part of the Crimean peninsula. Therefore, to get to Kazantip, you must first get to the Crimea.
Upon arrival in Simferopol, Kerch and other cities of Crimea, you will need to get to the village of Mirny, and from there go to the village of Popovka. This village is the capital of the Republic of Kazantip.
The easiest way is to first get to Evpatoria, and then to the village of Popovka, this is about 30-32 km. You can get to the village by buses that depart from the bus station every 20-25 minutes (to Popovka or Mirny). There is an option to take a taxi. The road to the village of Popovka takes about 30-40 minutes.
By the way, tickets must be taken in advance, since August is a popular month among those who come to Kazantip every year.
Coordinates:
45.4577599
northern latitude
35.8309593
east longitude
By car, the easiest way is to turn off the Kerch-Simferopol highway to Lenino-Shelkino and drive to the end - the road practically runs into the cape. By the way, if you are traveling by car and take your time, then from Kerch you can also drive through Novootradnoye, along the shore of the Kazantip Bay and visit the Schelkovo nuclear power plant and the salty Aktashskoe lake on the way. 
Official website of the Republic of Kazantip - kazantipa.net
What remains of the former Kazantip
For nostalgia for the Crimean Kazantip, watch the video:
Where to relax near Cape Kazantip - beaches in the vicinity
All beaches in the vicinity of Kazantip are sandy, with the addition of grated shell rock. Near the village of Mysovoye there are equipped beaches:
- Beach in the Tatar bay. It is located at the very foot of the cape, so, tired of passive rest, you can go to explore caves and grottoes. There are minimal conditions on this beach - umbrellas, sunbeds, several shops.
- Beach in the Russian bay stretched for 3 km. All infrastructure is nearby.
- Beach recreation center "Lavender" , open and accessible to all. Sandy shore, shallow sea, playgrounds - the best place for holidays with kids.
This is followed by the wild beaches of Cape Kazantip, for lovers of secluded relaxation. In addition to the surrounding beauties, enchanting landscapes and maybe a couple of nudist companies (you should know that Kazantip is on the list of those who like to run along the beach without panties), you will not find anything there, so take umbrellas and plenty of water with you.
In the villages of Shchelkino and Mysovoye you can find suitable accommodation for your vacation. The infrastructure is well established there, there are boarding houses, and hotels, and hotels. On the coast are recreation centers "Lavender", "Mysovoe".
You can also stay in a tent camp or retire to a place convenient for you for a couple of days, if you have your own tent.
The cost of housing in Kazantip
During the crazy times of the festival, the cape was a haven for thousands of tourists, and housing here was rented out with a bang. Now everything has calmed down, as well as prices.
In the village of Mysovoye you can rent a room in boarding house "Priboy" from 1000 to 1700 rubles, one-room apartment in Shchelkino - from 900 rubles.
There are also more expensive accommodations, for example, the same recreation center "Mysovoye"
on the very shore of the Sea of Azov offers rooms from 2500 rubles, and bungalows from 5000 to 8000 rubles per day. 
As a guide, you can take the average price per day - 1200-1500 rubles per room without meals.
Nutrition issues on vacation in Kazantip
When you get hungry, you can go to a cafe or a canteen again in Mysovoye or get to Shchelkino.
On the beach in the village of Mysovoe in the summer cafe "Sector of the sea" , it serves a variety of snacks, hot dishes, drinks and desserts. The average cost of lunch is 400 rubles. You can have a snack with pies, fresh pastries or hot pizza in pizzerias "Felicita" . BUT cafe "Coral" offers set and children's menus.
There are more catering establishments in Shchelkino. There are modern pubs with dishes on the grill and traditional canteens, cozy oriental cafes - a teahouse at the turn into the village, or stylish restaurants on the beach.
Food prices are lower than in cafes in the resorts of the South Coast. Products, vegetables and fruits in the central market in Shchelkino have quite an adequate cost.
What to see at Cape Kazantip
If time permits, take a guided tour of the reserve. It will be a very informative and pleasant walk - only a guide or a knowledgeable person will be able to show you, and most importantly tell you, everything about the ancient ancient city, about outlandish stone statues and their names.
Climbing to the highest point of the cape, you will see windmills, and a little further, abandoned nuclear power plant buildings.
You can spend time with health benefits on horseback or bicycle rides.
The history of Kazantip dates back 16 years. Initially, it was conceived as a festival for windsurfers. The first festivals were held on the territory of the eastern coast of the Crimean Peninsula, at Cape Kazantip (in fact, hence the name). Here, on the ruins of an unfinished nuclear power plant, lovers gathered every summer to windsurf on the waves and hang out to the rhythms of modern music. Subsequently, it was music that became the main factor rallying Kazantip people. Kazantip has turned from a sports festival into a musical one.
Some time later, due to many circumstances, Kazantip was forced to look for a new place of residence. After a short wandering along the Crimean coast, the Kazantip festival moved to the village of Popovka (Western Crimea), where it is now. In Popovka, Kazantip proclaimed himself the Republic Z - the Republic of Happiness and Freedom. It is in s. Popovka Kazantip, one might say, has gained today's fame.
What is the modern Kazantip?
These are bars, dance floors, surreal buildings on the very shore of the warm Black Sea. Tens of thousands of people visit Republic Z every summer.
Where is Kazantip located and how to get to it
Western Crimea, the village of Popovka, the Black Sea coast - this is the address of Kazantip. A few words should be said about the region.
In the Western Crimea, the terrain is flat, the landscape is steppe. The nearest large city from Kazantip is 27 km away. - This is Evpatoria. Quite near Popovka is the village of Mirny, a little further - the village of Shtormovoe and the village of Novoozernoye. A couple of kilometers from Kazantip is the Donuzlav Bay, famous for its excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Getting to Kazantip is not at all difficult. This can be done on your own transport along the Evpatoria - Mirny highway, or by bus or taxi, which regularly leave from Evpatoria, Simferopol and other cities of Crimea.
Toward the end of summer, one can often hear in certain circles of young people that someone is going to go to Kazantip. What is so special about it and where hundreds of young and not quite young people are so stubbornly striving? Intuitively, most understand that "Kazantip" is somehow connected with alternative music. But how? What is "Kazantip"?
Cape Kazantip
It is located in the Crimea, in its northeastern part, near the city of Shelkino. The name comes from the Turkic words, which mean "bottom of the cauldron". Indeed, this cape with its shape resembles exactly a round cauldron, which is connected to the peninsula by a thin isthmus that separates the Kazantip and Arabat bays. This location makes it an ideal place for windsurfing. The steppe nature attracts directors here, for example, Bondarchuk's sensational film "Inhabited Island" was filmed here. Also here is the unfinished Crimean nuclear power plant.
But usually those who ask a question about what Kazantip is and where it is located, in response, they will obviously hear not about a cape on the coast of Crimea, but about a music festival that has been held there for many years.
The birth of the festival
It all started in the distant 90s. Windsurfing enthusiast Nikita Marshunok wanted to organize windsurfing competitions on the cape, after which parties were held on the beach. When the number of participants exceeded several thousand, Marshunok decided to hold a full-fledged electronic music festival in Kazantip. Moreover, the area near the abandoned nuclear reactor was just right for such a club atmosphere.
Everything was successful, and 1995 is considered the birth of both the festival, which got its name from the cape, and the Kazantip movement. What's so unusual about this event?
Music style
Alternative music of different directions is welcome here: techno, drum and bass, electro house. Famous DJs and performers from all over Europe are invited to create a club atmosphere. The organizers of the festival conduct a preliminary selection among the compositions that will be played directly at Kazantip, because every year there are more and more people who want to conquer the world with their electronic hits.
Location
From 1995 to 1999 this musical action took place on the peninsula of the same name. In 2000, "Kazantip" changed its location and moved south - to the outskirts of Sudak, and for the period from 2001 to 2013 it "registered" in the village of Popovka near Evpatoria. The festival was repeatedly banned by local authorities, so one day it changed its name and became the "Republic of Z". But due to the political situation on the peninsula in 2014, lovers of alternative music had to fly to Georgia. This year there was an interesting incident with the venue: at the beginning of the year it was announced that the festival would be held in Cambodia, but the local authorities banned and allowed the festival several times. Therefore, after all, he returned to his native Popovka. Now the intrigue is kept: what to expect in 2016? But there is unconfirmed evidence that the venue will also be Crimea.
Republic of Z rules
Kazantip became so popular that such a movement became known as a republic. It has its own territory, and its own president Nikita the First, and its own rules of stay. So, what is "Kazantip" and how to get there? In order to cross the border of the "Republic Z", you need to purchase a visa. Over the years, the cost of a visa varied from $55 to $250. It can be both single and multivisa. The fact is that the festival lasts from a month to three weeks, and many come here for almost the entire period. They fell in love with Kazantip so much that such an event becomes the main event of the summer for them, and they are not sorry to pay a lot of money for it.
But there is a way to stay in this "state" for free. It is necessary to bring with you a yellow suitcase from the Soviet era, designed according to all the requirements of Kazantip, register it at the entrance, and then carry it everywhere and constantly with you, otherwise it threatens with deportation. A photo of the owner must be pasted on the inside of the suitcase. You can not give it to others for illegal border crossing, otherwise it will be burned.
During the day at Kazantip it is more or less calm: people relax on the beach, light music sounds, at sunset everyone sees off the sun together (this event is called Sunset).
But with the onset of darkness (from 23:00 to 9:00), all the dance floors are filled with people who light up all night to the rhythm of electronic hits.
If we talk about the dark side of Kazantip, then there is an atmosphere of complete emancipation and the removal of all prohibitions. Alcohol flows like water, you can easily buy some types of drugs, you can often meet people walking around completely naked here, but there’s nothing to say about sex. But this is what attracts tens of thousands of people here, they call the festival the Republic of Freedom.
So, what is "Kazantip"? It is one of the largest outdoor electronic music festivals in Europe.
The annual Kazantip festival is an open-air action. Around only the sea, beach sand and a huge crowd of people. Most of them are young people who love club culture and music. The festival lasts three weeks, it is distinguished by a large number of speakers, as well as a wide variety of electronic music.
According to many eyewitnesses, the atmosphere at the festival is unforgettable. Professional DJs never leave the console for a minute, the music sounds almost around the clock.
Kazantip leaves an indelible impression of the days and nights spent at sea. The main thing is that the weather is good. People who visited the Kazantip festival called it the "Land of Eternal Summer".
It is worth noting that this festival is not very suitable for a relaxing family holiday. This is a very intense and active event, requiring full dedication from its participants.
Not everyone, even a music lover, is able to withstand the constant pressure of a three-week exposure to their eardrums. But on Kazantip, many people from different countries meet, communicate with new people and find their love.
If you want to have a great rest with both your soul and body, Kazantip makes it as easy as shelling pears.
However, admission to the festival is not free. Kazantip acquired during its existence, albeit in a figurative sense. The invention of the administration of the event did not end there. She developed the constitution of the Kazantip Republic, which states that a visa is required to get into the party. Translated into everyday language, this means that you need to purchase a ticket.
How to get to Kazantip
Cape Kazantip is located on the territory of Ukraine on the Sea of Azov and is part of the Crimean peninsula. Therefore, to get to Kazantip, purchase a ticket to Simferopol. There is a visa-free regime between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, and therefore it is not necessary to have a passport with you.
Upon arrival in Simferopol, you will need to get to the village of Mirny, and from there drive to the village of Popovka. This village has been the capital of the Republic of Kazantip for the past few years.
A great vacation is just as important as a good job. If you are an energetic and active person who is looking for thrills and new adventures, your path should lie in the direction of Kazantip.
