With the arrival of warm weather, many of us strive to go outdoors and have a picnic. It is believed that this form of recreation appeared in our country only a few decades ago. However, picnics and walks in the fresh air were popular even in the Russian Empire. According to the memories of Samara judge I.A. Vtorov, people loved to gather on the banks of the Volga, bringing a variety of food in baskets, and some even came with samovars. During such "nature feasts," the vacationers sang, and city girls danced in circles.

There were several types of picnics. Wealthier people organized so-called civilized picnics. For this, chefs and waiters were hired from restaurants to set the table, prepare, serve new dishes, pour wine, and clean up after the meal. A picnic with a gramophone was considered particularly chic. However, "wild" picnics were more common. A tablecloth was spread on the grass, on which green onions, garlic, boiled potatoes, roasted meat, lard, and other simple snacks were laid out. Sometimes, fish soup was cooked from freshly caught fish.

Business picnics were distinguished by their particular grandeur, usually organized by merchants and entrepreneurs. The tables were filled with expensive dishes, but the main goal of such meetings was to resolve business matters and conclude contracts. To impress high guests, many resorted to various tricks. For example, in 1907, the owner of the Zhiguli Brewery, Alfred von Vakano, arranged trips for his guests on the Volga on a luxurious steamboat and organized a café with Viennese chairs right in the forest.

Additionally, May celebrations were held in Russia, which had a more political character. Nevertheless, it can be said that our ancestors loved picnics and knew how to relax culturally.