Some Express Discontent Over Festival Atmosphere
As the war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2022, enters its fourth year, an outdoor wave pool has been installed in a central park in Moscow, the capital of Russia, replacing the scars of war. Citizens have been seen enjoying their daily lives by surfing along the waves here. In addition, various performances, including opera, theater, and unicycle-riding clown acts, have been held at 14 outdoor stages.
In Moscow, various performances were held at 14 outdoor stages, ranging from opera and theater to unicycle-riding clown acts. Photo by EPA Yonhap News
On August 31, Yonhap News reported, citing The New York Times (NYT), on the festival atmosphere of "Moscow's Summer." For several months, a festival has been transforming Moscow into a massive carnival. NYT pointed out that this is an attempt to divert the attention of Moscow’s citizens from the ongoing war in Ukraine. NYT also reported that, although Russia appears to be diplomatically isolated from the international community while the war continues, the lives of most Russians have actually improved.
NYT noted that, thanks to more than a decade of continuous investment, Moscow has become one of the most modern metropolises in the world. The city of Moscow, with a budget of 70 billion dollars (approximately 97.4 trillion won), presents a completely different image from the grim Moscow of the declining Soviet era in the 1980s. Over the past ten years, the subway system has been expanded by 160 kilometers, and four more stations will open next month. Two new lines are also under construction. Instead of Europeans, the streets are now filled with tourists from the Middle East, China, and other parts of Asia.
Next to Red Square, a "surreal" oasis made up of palm and olive groves has been created, and this year, the city of Moscow planted 53 million flowers to decorate the bridges crossing the city center. According to a survey conducted in July by the independent Russian polling agency Levada Center, 57% of respondents said they were satisfied with their lives. This is the highest figure since surveys began in 1993, two years after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Some Express Discontent Over Festival Atmosphere
However, traces of the war can still be found in some places. Recruitment centers for new soldiers are set up throughout subway stations, and advertisements promise up to 65,000 dollars for signing a military contract. NYT pointed out that this symbolizes how Russians have entrusted the war to mercenaries. The festival taking place during the war has led to mixed reactions among Russian citizens.
In a central park in Moscow, the capital of Russia, an outdoor wave pool has been installed instead of scars of war. Citizens were seen enjoying their daily lives by surfing along the waves here. Photo by TASS Yonhap News
Vladimir Solovyov, a propaganda activist supporting the war, recently expressed his anger on his talk show, saying, "Is there really a war going on somewhere?" and "Even if you go out into the big city, you can't tell how the war is going." Mikhail Mozharov, an economist who supports the Russian military, also argued, "There can be no such festival during wartime," adding, "This is what you call schizophrenia." On the other hand, tour guide Aleksandr Usoltsev says that Moscow's large-scale events help people relieve the stress that comes from reading 'worrisome news.' He stated, "There is a need to calm people down and show them that everything is okay."
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