Moscow’s Red Square: May Day Celebrations Commemorate Long Legacy of Workers Struggle
On May 1st, Russia celebrates the Day of Spring and Labor. About 3 million people took part in rallies nationwide this year. They represent trade unions, political parties, and public associations. Their motto is "For decent work, for a fair social policy!". The largest events took place in the capital.
Denis Davydov is reporting.
Red Square is absolutely filled with an endless sea of crowds. The capital's labor organizations celebrate May Day in the heart of the country.
"Peace, labor, May! We love the city, the holiday, and the spring! It's her birthday today. We couldn't but bring her here today".
"It's a good century-long tradition. We want to immerse the new generation in it".
The tradition of celebrating May Day on Red Square was revived in 2014. It's the 5th year that labor organizations have marched at the Kremlin walls with various slogans. Today they're "For decent work, for a fair social policy". The column is headed by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
Sergei Sobyanin: "I remember my first rally. My friend and I carried a big banner that read 'Peace! May! Labor!' This slogan is still relevant today, enough though the country is different and much has changed. But people still want peaceful skies, and people still want decent salaries".
"Greetings to the railway employees of Moscow and the Moscow Region!"
There are more than 100,000 participants: doctors, teachers, builders, drivers, cooks, and scientists. Even cosmonauts celebrate May Day.
Elena Serova, cosmonaut: "My expedition didn't return on May Day. We returned to Earth a little earlier, but still, for all the cosmonauts that are in orbit, this is an outstanding day that they will probably celebrate with something delicious".
"Happy May Day! Hurray!"
"We're celebrating the spring and honoring hard-working people, so, to all the young guys: whether you're working or not today, join us. We're here to pass on good vibes".
People give smiles and cordial words to each other as they carry flowers, balloons, even an accordion. How can they march on the main square without an orchestra? This day is loved by millions of people, although the origin of the holiday is rather tragic. American workers went on strike on May 1st, 1886. Their European colleagues, in solidarity with them, decided to conduct annual rallies on May 1st. People have been marching on May Day for over 100 years. It is celebrated in dozens of countries, but, perhaps, only in Russia is it so politically bipartisan. Not only leftists take to the streets; United Russia marched on Red Square together with trade unions.
Andrei Isaev, Deputy Head of United Russia: "Trade unions won't let officials slack. They'll make sure officials fulfill the urgent tasks set by the Presidential Address, tasks such as improved living standards, health care, and education. Thus, today isn't only about celebrations, but also demands".
Mikhail Shmakov, Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions: "The only demand is decent salaries for decent work and peaceful skies, peaceful work, and a peaceful life".
Just Russia treated its supporters with soldiers' porridge. These successful May Day celebrations featured poems and hit songs.
Sergey Mironov, Chairman of A Just Russia: "Our party's banners have the most important word for any person living in Russia: Justice. We are sure that, together, we'll have justice come to our homes and to our country".
The LDPR party traditionally rallies on Pushkin Square on this day. Vladimir Zhirinovsky devoted much of his speech to the foreign policy situation, but he still didn't forget to wish his compatriots a happy May Day.
Vladimir Zhirinovsky: "We are a huge, powerful, strong, beautiful, wonderful country. Happy May Day! On this day, all Russians seek peace and all that is good!"
The Communist Party rallied on Kaluzhskaya Square today. The Communists marched to Teatralny Proezd.
"Capitalism, no! Socialism, yes!"
The Communist voice did not seem as sonorous as usual today. They rallied without Gennady Zyuganov. The party spokesperson says their leader is away. His deputy took the floor.
Vladimir Kashin: "May our people live decently in such a rich country that Russia is! Happy May Day!"
The rallies were over before noon. Taking advantage of the sunny weekend, Muscovites went on to continue celebrating May Day.
Denis Davydov, Maxim Shchepilov, Evgeny Davydov, Oleg Makarov and Alexander Berezhnoy for Vesti.