2,000 Russian Santa Clauses Are Coming to Town
The city of Ryazan has been named Russia’s New Year’s Capital for 2020 — and what better way to celebrate than with thousands of extravagantly dressed Ded Morozes?
More than 2,000 men and women dressed as Ded Moroz, the Slavic version of Santa Claus, and Snegurochka, a Russian fairytale character whose name means The Snow Maiden, paraded through the Ryazan city center Saturday.
Here’s a look at how it all went down:
More than 2,000 men and women dressed as Ded Moroz, the Slavic version of Santa Claus, and Snegurochka, a Russian fairytale character whose name means The Snow Maiden, paraded through the Ryazan city center Saturday.
Here’s a look at how it all went down:

Checking who is naughty and nice.
Aleksander Blokhin / rzn.info

Ryazan's status as Russia's New Year's Capital is part of a Culture Ministry initiative to increase tourism inside Russia.
Aleksander Blokhin / rzn.info

The project has already taken place in Russian cities like Tula, Kazan, Vologda and Vladimir.
Aleksander Blokhin / rzn.info

Not a single Santa's sleigh was to be found.
Aleksander Blokhin / rzn.info

They see me rollin'...
Aleksander Blokhin / rzn.info

A New Year's village was opened in Ryazan on Sunday, where parents could bring their children to meet Ded Moroz and Snegurochka at their home, as well as watch traditional dances and a fire show.
Aleksander Blokhin / rzn.info

Are you feeling festive yet?
Aleksander Blokhin / rzn.info
More photos you can find here.