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Heralding Spring

Seven places to savor the May holidays

Vladimir Filonov / MT

Soak up the Beauty of Spring 

Stroll through Moscow’s blooming gardens 

The April showers that prolonged Moscow’s dreary weather will be all worth it when they bring a blanket of May flowers to the city gardens. White snowdrops and lilac crocuses are already turning some of Moscow’s parks into a mosaic of natural colour. Get out and enjoy the many parks Moscow has to offer, and if you’re really keen on flowers, head to Moscow State University’s botanical garden. Its collection of flora dates back to Peter the Great.

Fountains Galore 

Water is the source of all life 

Moscow is full of magnificent fountains that once served as drinking water sources for the Muscovites of previous centuries. The tradition of celebrating water sources will continue on April 29 at 6:00 p.m. as modernday Muscovites mark the arrival of spring by simultaneously turning on all the fountains in the city. Watch the water cascade from any one of Moscow’s hundreds of fountains, notably the Petrovskiy Fountain by the Bolshoi Theatre or the Alexander Garden fountains.

Spring Fest 

Stroll through Moscow with a spring in your step 

Spring is here, and that means it’s time for Spring Fest. From April 28 to May 9th, Chalet-style tents will appear in locations through the city center, including Manezhnaya ploshchad, Kuznetsky most and Tverskaya ulitsa. Meander your way through the market-like lanes and enjoy the shops, workshops and even concerts. Don’t forget to treat yourself to the candies and exotic jams on offer. The festivities run from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Horseback Riding Thrills 

Reenact the Battle of Borodino 

Get out into the countryside and soak up the spring sun as you ride horseback at the Borodino Khutor. If playing Napoleon in a reenactment of the Battle of Borodino isn’t up your alley, opt for some gentler horseback riding, quad biking or simply a relaxing weekend away from the city—complete with a steam in the banya and grilled shashlyk. The equestrian center is located about 100km from Moscow. 

Gastronomical Adventures 

Time to take food out on a terrace 

On May 1 the Food Embassy restaurant will open its veranda and its charming vegetable patch and garden for spring. This restaurant provides great value for money, and you can bask in the sun while enjoying milkshakes. The Food Embassy is also a wonderful place for kids, with a wide variety of arts and crafts held on weekends from 14.00-17.00.

Victory Day 

Commemorate and celebrate 

May 9 is arguably the most important holiday for Russians. While its focus remains commemorating the country’s hard-earned triumph in World War II, Victory Day has been heavily politicized and now embodies Russia’s national pride. It has also developed into a time for concerts, performances, and other cultural events. As a result the center of Moscow will be cordoned off for preparations. Most eyes will be fixed on Red Square, where the famous Victory Parade takes place at 10 a.m. Crowds on Victory Day can be overwhelming, so if you want to avoid the hordes of people but still see the parade, watch the general practice run on May 7 at 10 a.m.

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