New Year celebrations are being canceled in Russia due to the war against Ukraine
In a number of Russian regions, on the eve of the New Year, festive events have been canceled or significantly restricted, citing the war against Ukraine. Authorities explain this by the “unethical nature” of entertainment amid hostilities and the participation of Russians in the so-called “special military operation.” The restrictions have affected mass festivities, corporate parties, and fireworks, Russian media report.
Ahead of the New Year, authorities in Russian regions have once again begun scaling back holiday programs due to the war against Ukraine. As journalists noted, in many regions and republics it was decided to abandon mass events, leaving only children’s New Year tree celebrations.
Celebrations were canceled or significantly limited in Khakassia, Tuva, Bashkortostan, Buryatia, Chuvashia, the Vologda, Saratov, and Leningrad regions, the Krasnodar and Stavropol territories, as well as in occupied Crimea. In most cases, this concerns the refusal of concerts, fireworks, and corporate events funded from the budget.
The head of Tuva, Vladislav Khovalyg, stated that loud celebrations under current conditions are unacceptable. According to him, while Russian military personnel are at the front, authorities should focus not on entertainment but on “supporting the defenders.” “While our sons, brothers, and fathers are standing on the front line, our main task is to be with them in thoughts and deeds, not in noisy celebrations,” Khovalyg said.
Saratov Region Governor Roman Busargin advised officials to engage in collecting humanitarian aid for the front or meeting with participants in the war and their families instead of organizing New Year events.
In Buryatia, regional authorities called on officials to отказаться from corporate parties and show “solidarity with fellow countrymen who are defending the country’s interests on the front line.” A similar position was voiced by the head of Bashkortostan, Radiy Khabirov. “No one will understand it if we celebrate at such a time,” Khabirov said, addressing officials.
At the same time, in most regions of Russia, children’s New Year tree celebrations were nevertheless decided not to be canceled, emphasizing that they have “social significance.” Mass festivities for adults, fireworks, and holiday shows are considered inappropriate this year due to the war that Russia continues to wage against Ukraine.
