Valentine’s Day is a relatively new holiday for Russia, but it has been embraced wholeheartedly. Wondering how it’s being celebrated in the Russian capital? We’ve gathered some events ranging from romantic to wacky that will give you a taste of how Russians are spending the holiday of romance.
Insta-worthy
On February 14th, couples will be given discounted entry to the PANORAMA360 observation deck, where they can take photos, enjoy live jazz music, and have dinner. If the romance proves overwhelming and couples find themselves compelled to commit immediately to their eternal love, there will also be a pop-up registry office issuing marriage certificates. More information here.
Romeo and Dzhulietta
If sunset views and jazz music aren’t your idea of romance, the theater welcomes you. This Valentine’s Day you can see the tragic characters of Romeo and Juliet come to life in a Russian-language adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic play. Because nothing says “I love you” more than those scenes in the crypt, right? Tickets can be reserved here.
How I Met Your Mother
Are you between the ages of 18 and 35 and haven’t met that special someone yet? The “Inspiration” culture center has you covered, with their music-themed-Valentine’s-Day speed-dating-event. Participants will discuss their musical tastes, switching conversation partners every five minutes in the hopes of finding that magic connection. Spaces are limited! Register here.
Ford vs Ferrari
Visit the antique automobile museum “Motors of October” and participate in their contest to determine the most “masculine” and “feminine” cars of the collection. Visitors are invited to photograph the vehicles that they feel best embody the essences of masculinity and femininity (how exactly one attributes gender to inanimate objects is left to the discretion of the individual), and then to upload their photos with the hashtag #vidinavtomzee. Couples will also be gifted a complimentary rose upon entry to the museum. Contest winners will be chosen on Valentine’s Day, and will receive an auto-tour of the city. Opening hours and ticket prices can be found here.
The State Love Shack of the Russian Federation
As music venues around the city open their doors to couples, one stands above the rest: the Kremlin Palace will be offering a Valentine’s Day pop concert, where romantics can be wooed by the dulcet tones of Ukrainian pop act VIAGRA, among others. According to the description on the Kremlin’s website, the experience promises to “not leave anyone indifferent.”
Speed Dating/Skating
Whether you’ve been married for years or are still searching for love, VDNK’s ice rink welcomes you. In a partnership between VDNK and Beeline, single skaters will be offered fluorescent stickers indicating their availability for dating. Beyond this, various speed-dating activities will be held throughout the evening both on and off the ice. If you’ve already found your soulmate and wish to show them the depth of your emotions, a man will be strolling through the park all day with a screen upon which Valentine messages will be broadcast. More information can be found here.
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