Muscovites Send a Message of Peace and Tolerance on National Unity Day
On Wednesday, Russians celebrated the country’s newest holiday, National Unity Day.
Originally established to commemorate Moscow’s liberation from the Polish-Lithuanian occupation in 1612, it now also aims to promote ethnic and religious tolerance among the country’s diverse population.
Though 15 years have passed since Nov. 4 was first marked as a public holiday, the date still lacks meaning for most Russians who treat it as “just another day off.”
In an attempt to popularize the holiday’s spirit, Moscow’s authorities chose to mark the date with a public workshop titled “We Are United.”
Here is a closer look at the celebrations:
Originally established to commemorate Moscow’s liberation from the Polish-Lithuanian occupation in 1612, it now also aims to promote ethnic and religious tolerance among the country’s diverse population.
Though 15 years have passed since Nov. 4 was first marked as a public holiday, the date still lacks meaning for most Russians who treat it as “just another day off.”
In an attempt to popularize the holiday’s spirit, Moscow’s authorities chose to mark the date with a public workshop titled “We Are United.”
Here is a closer look at the celebrations:
Moscovites were invited to describe their identity on hearts in the colors of the Russian flag.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
United, they are a symbol of Russia's ethnic and religious diversity and unity.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
The resulting canvases were displayed on Arbat Street.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
Some hearts even carried a message of peace for the opposing sides in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
Participants were asked to observe the mask mandate as Russia reported another daily record of new coronavirus cases.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
A message for peace between Russia and Ukraine was also spotted.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
The festival was able to attract a diverse crowd.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
The monument to Bulat Okudzhava, a Soviet poet of Georgian-Armenian ancestry, overlooks this new message of unity and peace.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
