In Photos: Red Square Hosts International Military Music Festival
Every year when summer meets autumn, Red Square is transformed into a stage for the Spasskaya Tower International Music Festival.
Thousands of spectators can see 22 military bands and groups from across the globe marching, twirling, dancing and high-stepping with the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral as the backdrop.
Here's a look at scenes from this year's event, which runs through Sept. 5:
Thousands of spectators can see 22 military bands and groups from across the globe marching, twirling, dancing and high-stepping with the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral as the backdrop.
Here's a look at scenes from this year's event, which runs through Sept. 5:
Musicians from the Qatari armed forces performed the famous Russian wartime song "Katyusha" on bagpipes.
Denis Grishkin / Moskva News Agency
The Kremlin Regiment's cavalry escort pranced past the stands.
Sofia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
A member of the Qatar Police Band stands ready to crash the cymbals.
Vladimir Gerdo / TASS
The Kremlin Riding School turned out tricks and stunts.
Andrei Nikerichev / Moskva News Agency
This Russian military band showed that performing isn't just marching in a rigid line.
Alexander Zemlianichenko / AP Photo / TASS
Qatari authorities sent three of their military bands to this year's festival, more than other participating countries.
Denis Grishkin / Moskva News Agency
Orchestras from nearly every branch of the Russian Armed Forces were represented at the festival.
Denis Grishkin / Moskva News Agency
The Kremlin Regiment's cavalry escort normally takes part in the changing of the guard on Cathedral Square.
Sofia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
Greek cadets marched in uniforms from different periods of Greek military history.
Due to the pandemic, bands from Gabon, Austria, France and Switzerland weren’t able to come.
Due to the pandemic, bands from Gabon, Austria, France and Switzerland weren’t able to come.
Denis Grishkin / Moskva News Agency
This year, attendance was limited to 3,000 people due to Covid-19 restrictions. Viewers must also prove they've been vaccinated, have tested negative for coronavirus or have antibodies.
Denis Grishkin / Moskva News Agency
