Tens of Thousands of Russian Students to Celebrate Graduation in Moscow

By The Moscow Times

June 20, 2014

Moscow students will plunge into a traditional all-night celebration after receiving their high school diplomas.

More than 48,000 students are expected to plunge into a traditional all-night celebration in Moscow on Friday night after receiving their high school diplomas, a news report said.

City authorities are planning to restrict alcohol sales around Gorky Park and other popular spots around the city where youngsters could gather to celebrate, a spokesperson for the Moscow education department told news agency Interfax.

As elsewhere, getting drunk is a rite of ritual for prom night festivities in Russia, but in the city's attempt to limit intoxication, the consumption of alcohol has been strictly forbidden, the report said.

LifeNews television has estimated prom night typically sets a student's parents back by about 30,000 rubles ($873), including the cost of a dress or a tuxedo, food, show, and the rent of a limo.

More than 4,000 police officers will be on duty to provide security, the report said.

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