Muscovites have embraced — pardon the pun — Valentine’s Day as if the holiday were their own. And it is their own now: День влюблённых (a day for people in love). Most restaurants have specials on Feb. 14, and you’ll be able to buy flowers on every street corner (for many times their usual price, but love is worth it, isn’t it?) Here are some special events to share with that special someone.
Find romance at the top of the world
Do you have a houseful of kids? Are your in-laws in town? Did your dog just have puppies? And is the street noise in your second-floor flat giving you a permanent headache? Here’s just what you need: a city getaway for two on the 29th floor of a Moscow City skyscraper. Five hours in a spacious loft apartment. Panoramic views of Moscow as far as the eye can see. A projector and huge screen for watching one of dozens of movies. And food and drink delivered straight to your door. Rent out the “Anti-movie theater” for the morning, afternoon or evening for you and your beloved (or for you whole family and a huge party). Prices start at 15,000 rubles. For more information, see the site here.
Eat, dance, drink and be merry at Depo Food Court
Depo is one of Moscow’s newest and arguably one of its best food courts, where you can buy just about anything edible from anywhere in the world and choose from several dozen restaurants and cafes serving an enormous variety of food. Vegans will be happy, as well meat-eaters, lovers of regional food, people wanting a quick snack, coffee lovers, anyone with a sweet tooth, rich people, poor people… you get the idea. The space also welcomes musical groups, and on Feb. 14 the young group 5PAR is going to perform beginning at 8 p.m. If you and your beloved tend not to agree on food, Depo will keep both of you happy. And you can enjoy a concert as you eat. Entrance is free. Information about the market and restaurants can be found here.
Take your love to coo to Russia’s most romantic crooner
Dima Bilan is the only Russian singer to take the gold at the Eurovision Song Fest and one of the few to develop a huge and devoted following not only in Russia and the “near abroad,” but in the “far abroad,” too. He has won almost 50 awards all around the world for his singing, performing, songwriter and sex appeal. Crocus City Hall is keeping the details of the Dima Bilan concerts under wraps, but we’re sure it will be romantic and exciting. He’ll perform for two nights, Feb. 14 and 15. Ticket sales here.
Spend an evening in the Kremlin
After some schedule changes due to the coronavirus, the musical extravaganza “Valentine’s Day” is being held in the Kremlin Palace on Wed. Feb 16. Organized by Muz-TV, the evening of songs will feature Russia’s most famous performers, including Nikolai Baskov, Vladimir Presnyakov, Khabib, Alsu, Ziveret, Danya Milokhin and many more. If you are a fan of great pop music, fabulous costumes, the highest heels in the world and songs about eternal love, this is the show for you. For tickets and more information, see the site here.
Sail down the Nile, walk in the rain in New York
The beautifully renovated Art Theater is a celebration any day of the year, but their line-up of films on Feb. 14 offers something for everyone in love or hoping to fall in love. The big premiere is the new version of “Death on the Nile” with Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot — consider watching in the loungers in the small hall — but you can also watch “Licorice Pizza,” “A Rainy Day in New York,” or even “Nightmare Alley” if you want to hide under your parkas together. For the full schedule and ticket sales, see the site here.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
