RUSSIA: Russians and foreign guests celebrate New Year on Red Square surrounded by intensive security

Record ID: 862180

  • Title: RUSSIA: Russians and foreign guests celebrate New Year on Red Square surrounded by intensive security
  • Date: 31st December 2012
  • Summary: PEOPLE DANCING, SINGING IN CIRCLE
  • Embargoed: 15th January 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Russian Federation
  • City:
  • Country: Russia
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement,Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA96UHIX4HXPZMI3TRO4XIHJE8D
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: Thousands flocked to Red Square in central Moscow on Monday (December 31) night to celebrate the arrival of 2013.
    Revellers passed through several layers of security to enter the square, stopping at multiple metal detectors manned by Russian police and enduring detours to control crowds.
    Many of those who went to the square said they were drawn by the time-honoured Russian tradition of ushering in the new year by the chime of the Kremlin clock tower bells.

    "As the apocalypse here is over, we think there will be nothing bad any more. That's it," she said laughing.

    "(I expect) only happiness, the leap year is over, they say it is usually a bad one, and now we face 2013. I think it will be a successful year. We'll see," he said.

    "We are very happy to have a chance to end the old year here and to celebrate the new year on the Red Square," Piotr - a student from Poland - said surrounded by his friends.
    As the second-hand reached midnight, the crowd in Red Square cheered and shouted New Year's greetings as fireworks exploded from behind St. Basil's Cathedral.
    Police reinforcements in the city centre aimed to control possible clashes between drunken revellers.
    Russian President Vladimir Putin called for unity in a televised address broadcast just before midnight, saying it was necessary for a strong and successful Russia, but he made no mention of his political opponents.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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