This Saturday, 19th of March Moscow was celebrating the Saint Patrick’s Day. There were two parades – an official one at Sokolniki and unofficial – at Arbat. This is the report from Arbat.

1. Unlike the Sokolniki celebration, that seemed dull and poorly organized for me, the action at Arbat was a real festival. All the guests were really happy. I immediately got to the dance after arrival.

2.

3. Everything is ready for the parade.

4.

5.

6. Let’s go!

7. It’s easy to see that the participants are prepared fans, who have been waiting for the whole year, and the people, who know where to walk at holiday.

8.

9. Strangers were smiling to each other, dancing and singing. I’ve heard “Korol I Shut”, “Piknik” and Boris Grebenshikov’s songs. Circle dances.

10. Dances

11.

12. Fun

13. People were circle dancing everywhere along Arbat.

14. Music

15. Unless the desire of taking some photos, I would participate the dance.

16.

17. Many people participated the parade, despite it wasn’t agreed.

18.

19.

20.

21. I’m not the fan of Saint Patrick’s Day, but I’ve got tons of good impression. Seems like the true festival is when everyone is happy, when you don’t want to leave, when the crowd turns into the single organism with shared ideas, joy and impression.

Special thanks to police for not arresting anyone, unlike the previous years. I hope the organization in Sokolniki would become better in future.

Here are my thoughts (on russian) about the Saint Patrick’s Day itself.