A viral penis-shaped ice rink in Russia’s third-largest city has re-opened for the holidays, becoming a point of local pride while the city’s mayor continues to deny its suggestive shape.
While the rink looks like any other ice-skating rink from the ground, Novosibirsk photographer Slava Stepanov’s aerial photo of the rink’s phallic shape last year went viral on social media.
“Honestly, both this year and last year, the shape of the ice rink was the last thing we were thinking about," Novosibirsk Mayor Anatoly Lokot told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency.
"We thought about the space and maximizing the territory that can be occupied by the ice rink in order not to create crowding," he said.
Lokot went on to suggest that the rink’s phallic resemblance exists only in the perverted minds of its viewers.
“In the summer, nothing comes to anyone’s mind. … As soon as the ice appears, someone's imagination begins to play up. I hasten to assume, not a healthy imagination,” Lokot said.
Local residents seemed to welcome the rink’s return. One young woman even got a tattoo of the ice rink in a gesture of hometown pride. The tattoo shows the ice rink, with a pair of ice skates hanging below it, surrounded by the words “Thank God I’m from Novosibirsk.”
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
