Russian Holidays III
I must admit that my Russian holidays research has grown way beyond any control. Who knew there were so many of'em? Boy, they surely catch a lot of space!
I was completely unaware our history was that rich! Just look - we're on page 3 already, and I have so much more in mind! Guess I'll have to dedicate a whole new site to that issue...
Ready for another briefing? Let's go, then! By the way, the first page sits right here. I'll be more than happy to tell you the story right from the very beginning!
I hate overstatements, but I have to say this day is sacred for Russians. Just like the New year, it unites all of us in celebration.
I've never fallen prey to official propaganda, but this time I totally agree with the state. Of all major Russian holidays, that one is the most important!
Victory Day (or Den' Pobedy) is true and honest. Just like Gagarin's spaceflight, Victory over Nazism was an enormous achievement. In addition, it was absolutely vital - hard to imagine what would happen if we lost. Guess I'd be lucky to be born at all!
Veterans on the march
(by Leonid V. Kruzhkov)
Not everyone shares that view, but to us, it was truly a matter of life and death. We were fighting pure evil back then - and we won. And not just the abstract "we". One of my grandfathers fought in Prague after Germany surrendered. Turns out there was a whole Wehrmacht division that refused to capitulate - and threatened to blow the city sky-high.
Sorry for all the pathos - but I do take the issue personally. Very hard to stay cool when you're talking of something that important!
During Victory Day we have celebrations all around the country - the biggest ones, of course, in Moscow. Great time to get some photos, especially during Moscow parade. Alas, you might have trouble getting there - the authorities have been waaaay too strict lately!
Do try to get in! It's well worth it - and I doubt the police will let the foreigner down. Check your camera well, though - you'll surely need it!
Russian City Day is celebrated in all Russian cities without exception (du-h!), and it's the best time to get people out of their flats to socialize a little.
That day, cities are flooded - and I'm not even talking about the central squares! There are celebrations all around, together with trade fairs, music, dancing and lots of fireworks. Throw in a couple of performances - and you'll get the picture!
Last chance to party!
(by tinou bao)
There's a good reason to get wild - in Moscow, the city day is on September's first Sunday. Delay it a little more - and you'll hit Russian autumn, with rains, clouds and chilly winds. Not cool!
Of all Russian holidays, City Day isn't the most known one - it's pretty quiet and intimate. Well, maybe not in Moscow, but in every small town, where there's a strong sense of community - that day is like everyone's birthday!
We call it "Den' VeDeVe". It doesn't belong to public Russian holidays, but there's a reason you should know about it.
I think you guess that Russian "blue berets" aren't the most quiet people on the planet. Imagine what happens when all of them celebrate on the city streets!
These guys are so...gentle!(ookaboo)
They wander around in large groups, sing, drink, and fight occasionally. The police supposedly watches them - but no officer will ever risk getting in their way unless they do something *really* bad.
I remember one of those days, when I was walking on Arbat. The street was swarming with paratroopers. The funny thing was two buses filled with Moscow riot police, quietly following them. You should've seen the faces of the cops!
Don't be afraid though. You can easily walk around on that day and don't even feel something's up. In fact, they paratroopers can be quite friendly - especially to a foreigner. They are nice - might even take a couple of pictures with you.
...dare to ask them?
Related posts:
- Victory Day in Russia
- Victory Day in Russia 2009. City of Chekhov, Moscow region.
- Russian Orthodox Easter
- Celebrating Russian Orthodox Christmas
- Russian New Year - a complete guide!
- Russian holidays part II
- Russian Holidays part I
- Russian Maslenitsa
- International Women's Day in Moscow, Russia
