Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.
|
THIS ARTICLE IS FROM
|
City Day
First weekend in September. Since 1986, Moscow commemorates the city’s birthday with a festive parade, followed by live music, food, and fireworks on Red Square. www.moscow-city.ru
December Nights
December. Moscow’s most prestigious music event. A series of classical concerts by Russia’s most celebrated musicians at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, accompanied by an art exhibit on a related theme. Ulitsa Volkhonka 12; tel. +7 495 203 9578; fee. www.museum.ru/gmii
Golden Mask Festival
March or April. Two weeks of performances by Russia’s premier drama, opera, dance and musical performers, culminating in a prestigious awards ceremony. Tip: Don’t miss the Russian Case, a special program targeting foreign participants at the festival. Tel. +7 495 755 8335; fee. www.goldenmask.ru
Maslenitsa
February or early March. The Russian version of Mardi Gras, celebrating the end of winter and kicking off Orthodox Lent. The food of choice is bliny, or Russian pancakes. Horse-drawn sledges, storytelling clowns, and vodka-drinking bears. www.maslenitsa.com
Moscow International Film Festival
Last week in June. Weeklong event attracting filmmakers from around the world; celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2008. Tel. +7 495 699 0625; fee. www.moscowfilmestival.ru
