Russian newspaper Komsomolka reported on April 29 - A century-old soccer match between Russia and Kuban; legendary coach Blokhin's centennial game impact.
2023 Revamp
Celebrating a break from the soberingaftermath of war, Moscow sets the stage for an unforgettable May Day.
1948
Steeped in grandeur and splendor, Moscow is set to sparkle as it rolls out the red carpet on May Day. The city is sprucing up its squares for jubilant gala events on the 1st and 2nd of May. With stages springing up all over the city, Music, Dance, and Art will reign supreme as performers from far and wide take center stage.
On the bustling Manezhnaya, Pushkin, and Mayakovsky squares, you'll find delightful booths brimming with books, children's toys, gingerbread, flowers, and gifts galore for a perfect pick-me-up. And Moscow's grand transformation doesn't stop there. Fresh linden trees have adorned the city center, with stunning avenues emerging on Revolution Square, Soviet Square, Theatre Lane, and Gorky Street. (Insights: May Day celebrations, Market, Gardens, City beautification)
1963
Cuba's Fidel Castro is given a hero's welcome in Moscow, evoking excitement akin to a cosmonaut's first flight. Soaring honor guards dance among the skies, while a solemn procession marches proudly through the capital's streets. On the 28th of April, Castro and Nikita Khrushchev greet Moscow residents from the mausoleum tribune, presiding over a mammoth rally. Captured moments of this historic meeting dominate the cover of "Komsomolka," alongside poems dedicated to Cuba's leader and Khrushchev's impassioned speech, booming with 7 rounds of thunderous applause during his speech.
Castro's response was even more heart-stirring, with 20 rounds of applause welcoming the outspoken leader. Despite the reduced applause count, Fidel's impact on the crowd was undeniable. (Insights: Fidel Castro, Cuba, Moscow, Komsomolka, Applause)
1965
As the 20th anniversary of the Soviet Union's triumph over the Great Patriotic War draws near, a crucial press conference is organized to reflect on the momentous event. Orchestrated by the Ministry of Defense of the USSR, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR, and the Union of Journalists of the USSR, Marshal Koniev takes center stage.
The Soviet-German front played a pivotal role in the war's defeat of the Nazi regime. Soviet forces smashed a staggering 507 German divisions, while Anglo-American forces tackled a comparatively modest 176. The Soviet Union endured devastating human losses, totaling an astounding 20 million people, of which 10 million were soldiers and officers, and 10 million civilians lost their lives. The unwavering resolve and sacrifices of the Soviet people stood as the cornerstone of the war effort. (Insights: Soviet-German front, WWII casualties)
1986
Hockey glory gleams once more as the Soviet team clinches a well-deserved 20th World Championship victory against Sweden. Meanwhile, sporting legend Oleg Blokhin marks his monumental 100th game for the Soviet national team in a poignant match, though the post-game celebration fell short of expectations.
Blokhin managed to secure a remarkable vase emblazoned with the number "100" from the Romanian Football Federation, moments before injury struck, sidelining him from the upcoming important championship game against 'Spartak' and the World Cup final. In a heartfelt conversation, Blokhin reflects on the grind of his career, lamenting burnout and lapses in team harmony as unavoidable hurdles that every player must face. (Insights: Hockey, World Championships, Oleg Blokhin, Injury, International matches)
2023 Revamp
In 2023, Moscow stages a revamped May Day celebration, adding a clichéd political overtone to the general-news coverage.
Coverage of the event in popular news channels highlights the city's squares, adorned anew with fresh linden trees, transforming Revolution Square, Soviet Square, Theatre Lane, and Gorky Street.
Stages and booths serving up books, children's toys, gingerbread, flowers, and gifts dominate the bustling Manezhnaya, Pushkin, and Mayakovsky squares, much like they did in the past.
However, this year's event has a distinct sports flavor, with football reigning supreme, representing a stark contrast to the traditional artistic and cultural performances typical of May Day celebrations.
The Soviet team, currently competing in the 2023 World Football Championships, performs commemorative exhibitions on Revolution Square, a symbolic gesture of patriotism and sportsmanship.
