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Moscow Comes to No.1 Queen Street

Friday 8 June 2012, 4:38PM

By Eleven \ PR

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AUCKLAND

To mark the 20th anniversary of Russia Day on Tuesday June 12, 2012, Russian Standard Vodka will be bringing a slice of Moscow to No.1 Queen St.

Russia Day is a national public holiday, similar to Independence Day in the United States, and marks the beginning of the democratic reforms in Russia that took place in the 1990s.

Festivities will be held on the day at No.1 Queen Street from 7am - 9am where there will be fur, snow and music to help Kiwis mark and take a moment to understand this special day for Russia.

On offer will be free Russian Shapkas (fur hats) and coffee to warm up Queen Street commuters on their way to work. A talented ice sculptor will be carving a replica of Moscow’s famous St Basil’s Cathedral in the foyer of No 1. Queen Street.

Dave Campbell from Russian Standard Vodka is looking forward to giving Kiwis the opportunity to experience a snapshot of Russia.

“Russia Day is a huge day for Russians and the Russian Standard brand and we commemorate the event every year. With winter looming we thought it would be great to bring the celebrations to Auckland.

“It’s not everyday you have the chance to watch someone create an ice sculpture and the reconstruction of Red Square’s St Basil’s promises to be impressive,” he adds.

The iconic domed structure was built in the 16th century to commemorate the victory of the Tsardom of Russia over Kazan in 1552. Legend has it that after the building was completed, Ivan the Terrible had the architect blinded in order to prevent any similar, more magnificent buildings being constructed elsewhere.

The traditional Russian Shapka fur hat has been around for centuries and is synonymous with Russian culture. Originally used by nomads for protection against arctic conditions, the Shapka will be used to keep Aucklanders warm on Russia Day.

WHAT:  Russian Standard Vodka celebrates the 20th anniversary of Russia Day with Auckland based festivities
WHEN:  Russia Day, Tuesday 12 June 2012, 7.00am – 9.00am
WHERE:  No.1 Queen Street, Auckland