Every year on May 9 Russia, CIS countries and some European countries are celebrating Victory Day.

Victory Day is a celebration of Soviet people's victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. In our country organization of this celebration is a very serious process. Preparations for the celebration of May 9 begins a few weeks before the event.

One of the main attributes of this holiday is the morning parade with the participation of military equipment, including military aircraft. Practically all Russian TV channels are broadcasting this event. However, the parade is not the only event held on May 9. In the evening there are fireworks in different parts of Moscow, accompanied by the song "Victory Day" - a popular Soviet song by composer David Tukhmanov and poet Vladimir Kharitonov. This song is a sort of anthem. Also, it is marching song of the Russian army (in the past - the Soviet army), and an official holiday march. That actually is not surprising, because it is an incredibly "strong" song which makes every Russian be proud of their ancestors, who won the Nazis, and inspires young soldiers with the fighting spirit. Along with fireworks it creates a sense of a very important holiday, which the Victory Day is.

In recent times (since 2005) we have an unofficial symbol of the Victory Day. It called "St. George Ribbon" - two-color (a black and orange stripes) ribbon, which is a symbol of gratitude and respect to our veterans.

Another important attribute is the moment of silence - a symbolic ritual in memory of those who was killed in World War II. But that's not all. Also at May 9 people elevate the flowers (usually it is two red carnations) to the monuments of the dead soldiers, including Eternal Flame - constantly burning fire, symbolizing the eternal memory of the participants in the war.

And yet, in many schools there is a great tradition - every year on May 9, pupils personally congratulate the veterans of the war. Students are divided into groups (about 3 people), buy flowers and candies, get some addresses of veterans and congratulating them.This is undoubtedly one of the best traditions - in fact it gives the veterans understand that new generations don't forget who won and what was the price of the most terrible war of the last century, whose heirs we are, what and whom we should be proud of, whom we should remember of.

So the weekend in honor of Victory Day - the perfect time to visit Moscow. Indeed, in addition to good weather that usually accompanies these days, you have the chance to witness the celebration of one of the most important days of our country!

This nice day t is also known as Labor Day or the Day of Spring or even the International Day of Solidarity of Workers. First May is celebrated in 142 countries around the world, and all began long time ago, in the spring of 1886, when militant socialists and communists in the U.S. and Canada staged a series of meetings and demonstrations. Later, a fight broke out between workers and police, there were many injured and several killed. A four particularly distinguished themselves were unjustly sentenced to death, which in those years were still operated. In memory of the brave workers Paris Congress declared that First of May will be the day of Solidarity of Workers all over the world and suggested to celebrate it every year with the demonstrations.

In Russia, First of May was first celebrated in 1890 in Warsaw. In the following years, the demonstrations became a political nature - the protesters chanted "Down with autocracy!" and "Long live the republic!" and selflessly fought with the military. In 1914 400 thousand people fell the streets, and after the February Revolution of 1917 millions of workers chanted:"All Power to the Soviets!" and "Down with imperialist war!"

But let’s finish discussion about history. Nowadays has been survived such a beautiful thing, as May Day - family outings and picnics in nature. And we will tell you where best to spend those warm days in Moscow. Just to remind, the weekends will be from April 29 to May 1(inclusive) and from 6 to 9 May (inclusive).

First of all, it's Gorky Park. Well furnished area, greens, lots of cafes, shops and nice places - you can spend with friends and family all day!

We also have very good Patriarch's Ponds - lost in the courts, they are pleased with serenity and freshness. Incidentally, this is the only lake that has been preserved in the heart of the capital, which, moreover, surrounded by a mysterious aura of artistry - in his time there lived such outstanding figures as Mayakovsky and Blok, came to skate Tolstoy with his daughters, Pushkin and Gogol were staying here with their friends.

Vorob’iovy Hills - the perfect place for bicycle trips, picnics, leisurely conversations or noisy gatherings. Quay, a lot of greens, steamers and a great view of the city will provide you with pleasant emotions for all holidays!

If you are going to Moscow for the May holidays, be sure to stop at “Day’n’Night” hostel! We are located in the heart of the city, all of the most interesting places are in a walking distance! And as a bonus you will receive a great atmosphere, warm welcome, a lot of tea, sweets and smiles! We are waiting for you at Luchnikov pereulok, 7/4, build. 6 :)

But, even in other cases of staying, that’s what you can do in Moscow at these first days of spring:

Personal Exhibition of Daria Usova, 02-31 March 2012, Moscow.

 At the 1st os March with the support of Champagne House “Ruinart” and the private English Club “Quintessentially Personal exhibition of young and promising artist Daria Usova will be opened in the Gallery of Modern Art “RuArts”. In the framework of the "Mind, body and spirit," Daria Usova transforms the classical technique of mosaics and stained glass in their unique style of collage Pieces Art. She uses only magazine clippings, as they themselves are the material artifacts of modern life, almost ready art object. Three central themes of the project Usova - "12 seconds of the life of Christ," "Rorschach Cards" and a series of "Cities".

Tuesday-Saturday from 12.00 p.m. till 8.00 p.m.

Gallery of Modern Art “RuArts”,

1st Zachatievskiy side-street., h.10,

metro st. Kropotkinskaya

www.ruarts.ru

Christopher Berket. Retrospective, 09th February - 15 April 2012, Moscow.

From the 09th of February till the 15th of April 2012 in The Gallery of Classic Photography there will be the exhibition of famous American photographer Christophe Berket, where the technical skill of printing is closely intertwined withnyuansnym vision and accurate passing nature. Here are the results of more than 35 years of creativity, including the most recent work in 2011, made in the technique of hand-printed with an optical slide"Cibachrome".

For many centuries, art and technology are experiencing interference, complementing and enriching each other. Platon did not make distinctions between them, bringing them the wordtechne, which can be translated "knowing how" - a concept unites and reveals the technical and artistic aspects of the art. Berket achieves absolute accuracy of the material, as convinced that it is impossible to separate the image from its embodiment of an integral quality. Christopher’s hands are felt in every phase of his work, printing, photography and all the intermediate stages.

from 12.00 p.m. till 9.00 p.m.,

Monday, Tuesday - weekend

Gallery of classic photography,

Savvinskaya quay, h.23, build. 1,

Metro st. Sportivnaya

Entrance – 150 rubles, preferential – 150 rubles.

Skating rink on Red Square, 28 November 2011 - 13 March 2012, Mocow.

You can still have time to visit the ice rink area more than three thousand square meters, for the sixth time in Red Square opened in late November! Citizens and visitors can go skating, and sometimes participate in contests and sweepstakes prizes.

Rink is the fourth part of Red Square. The special equipment is used in it’s construction, that ensures the safety of pavement: the ice is raised above.

At the rink can accommodate 400 people, and by the day more than four thousand people can visit it.

The price of tickets during the week to daily sessions (until 2:00p.m.) is 250 rubles, evening (after 4:00 p.m) - 350 rubles.

On weekends and holidays before noon afternoon sessions will cost 350 rubles,

from 2:00 p.m. - 500 rubles.

For children and senior citizens ticket price will be 100 rubles for every session.

Every day from 10 a.m. till 12 a.m. Red Square, metro st. Ohotnyi ryad, Ploschad’ Revolucii

And the name "Maslenitsa" is connected to the fact that in the last week before Great Lent is permitted to eat dairy products, butter and fish. Less well-known name - Pancake Week.

Up till now, those seven days people celebrate with the inherent breadth of Russian soul and generosity - all together bake pancakes, eat caviar, singing songs and dancing around a large effigy of Maslenitsa, which solemnly burned on the last day of this celebrating week.

Nowadays celebration of Maslenitsa is happening in Moscow's main parks but the most ambitious send-off will happen in Gorky Park this Sunday, February 26th. It will be fun, noisy and good. Come with the kids, bring the pancakes, put on Russian folk costumes and start dancing! Like the good old days.

But during the time, this madness was canceled - because of the explicit context of the holiday. But Lupercalia was replaced by Saint Valentine, who was secretly crowning lovers at the era of marriage prohibition. And February 14th is the day when the good-hearted priest was executed.
Gradually this day became cluttered with many legends, stories and legends, but its essence is one - love each other!

In the second half of the 19th century in Britain began to use very popular valentines - wonderful declaration of love, which people use for express their feelings.

In Russia, Valentine's Day has become increasingly popular because it's nice to please beloved with the attention and care! People choose gifts, cook romantic dinner and spend time with their halves. In an era of endless stress, fatigue and anxiety is important not to forget about sincerity, feelings and love. Therefore, February 14 is very popular in Russia and in other countries.