- Title: RUSSIA: Moscow parties on despite economic crisis
- Date: 26th April 2009
- Summary: NIGHTCLUB INTERIOR FEET ON DANCEFLOOR BACK OF DANCING GIRL VARIOUS OF PROFESSIONAL NIGHTCLUB DANCER DANCING (SOUNDBITE) (English) 'PACHA' NIGHTCLUB'S MANAGER, BASIL VASILIOU, SAYING: "Moscow's happening, the nightlife is vibrant, people love to enjoy themselves and you know, Russians love to drink. You know, there is glamour here, Moscow's got it all and even during the c
- Embargoed: 11th May 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVACYVD7GKAB7PD3PANQS5R54WPJ
- Story Text: In Russia, a decade-long economic boom made the capital, Moscow, a playground for the super-wealthy. Then came the global financial crisis. But while fortunes may be evaporating, Russians seem to be partying as hard as ever.
Russia's stock market has lost more than three quarters of its value since last year, millions across the country have lost their jobs and the economic crisis is expected to get worse.
But in Moscow at least, people still want to party and appear to have the money to do so.
One of the world's biggest nightclub chains, 'Pacha', recently opened a branch in Moscow.
"Moscow's happening, the nightlife is vibrant, people love to enjoy themselves and you know, Russians love to drink - you know there is glamour here, Moscow's got it all and even during the crisis I still see it all happening," said Pacha's manager Basil Vasiliou.
Reserving a table here can cost thousands of U.S. dollars (USD). Seats above the dance-floor cost up to 10,000 USD (7,700 euros).
The nightclub is full, the patrons are expensively dressed and seem to be spending unreservedly on having a good time.
"You know, me personally, I don't notice the crisis. I go to clubs, restaurants and bars and the crisis hasn't affected me so far,"
said one nightclub patron, Natalyia Khalmakova, sipping her 30 USD (23 euro) cocktail.
In the austere days of the Soviet Union, whenever there was anything to buy, Soviets spent whatever cash they had right away. Many believe the ease with which wealthy Russians spend money is a legacy of earlier hard times.
Clubbers in 'Pacha' seemed to have no cash liquidity problems; just lots of attitude.
"My impression of the crisis? None whatsoever. Just that I am fed up with hearing about it, that's all," said one clubber, Irina.
So despite the economic hardship experienced by many people in Russia, it appears that as long the nightclubs stay open, in Moscow, the party will go on. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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