May Day Russia

Diamond capital of Russia shines with one of the most spectacular 1 May demonstration in the country.

There was an inspiring new aspect to the May 9 Victory Day commemorations across Russia, thanks to the idea of a Siberian man.

Move can boost tourism as free port and pacific capital Vladivostok opens up.

May Day saw around 3,000 'monstrators' out on the streets of Novosibirsk, the latest gathering of a trend that began in 2004.

Impressive official events but also emotional marches by people carrying portraits of loved ones who served in WW2.

Transit passengers from 20 countries will be allowed 72 hours in Russia without the hassle of obtaining a visa.

They wear military headgear, raise the flag, carry knives in their mouths, and shoot at a target.

From the Urals to Pacific people this week joined the rest of Russia in marking the massacre in which 334 were killed. 

More than 20,000 residents were moved as rivers burst their banks with forecasts of worsening flooding later this week.

Russia marks Orthodox Christmas Day on 7 January according to the Julian calendar (and for some this is also a time for fortune telling).