Moscow Day

The first time Moscow hosted a party was back in 1147: Prince Yuri Dolgoruky thanked his loyal troops on the bank of the Moskva River and the city that would become the Russian capital was born. Almost 900 years on, the tradition is as important as ever. Held over the first full weekend of September, Muscovites let down their hair as a thousand events encompassing parades, street fairs, live music, sports competitions and street entertainers take place across the city in parks and squares. Many museums offer free entry.

Visitors are welcome, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn a little more about Moscow and what makes it tick. Food vendors cook up a storm and artisans offer masterclasses in Russian arts and crafts such as blacksmithing and glass blowing. Tverskaya Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, closes to traffic, allowing for art installations and stalls to spill out across the road. It wouldn’t be Russia if there wasn’t a fireworks extravaganza to round off the proceedings.