Carnaval brings joy to Palace Square
The First Russian Revolution 
History of Palace Square

The Carnaval begins
The Mayor of St. Petersberg, Vladimir Yakovlev, gets his tie cut by Igor Gabrushkin ( Russia) to open the celebration. 
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The Mayor of St. Petersberg, Vladimir Yakovlev, left
and the director of the Hermitage, Michael Piotrovsky.
Odessa Pegus & Wendy Collins ( USA)

The two Anna's (Russia) 

  

The Parade opens with a military band.


The FECC had front row seats for the parade.  Sue Collins stands with the empty square behind.  The square is bordered by a row of military holding back a big crowd.  
When the military ranks parted to let us enter the Palace square, this was the start of a week of very special treatment by our Russian hosts.  


Sue Collins ( USA) 
This is where the tsars spoke to their people in words and deeds and the people sometimes spoke back. 

Walking across the open square to our seats, I was struck my the majesty of this huge open plaza, empty, but for our small group.  I couldn't help but think about the amazing history of this square, bordered by the Winter Palace.  

     

Lots of Military were on hand.

 

The judges were ready

more parade shots
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