As the May holidays approach, residents of Berdsk are gearing up for a festive celebration marked by concerts and community events. In 2025, the May holidays will stretch over eight days, providing ample opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment. Labor Day will be celebrated from May 1 to May 4, followed by Victory Day festivities from May 8 to May 11.
On Labor Day, Berdsk will host festive concert programs at two key cultural venues in the city. The Rodina Culture Center will kick off its musical marathon at 10:00 AM, featuring a vibrant spring fair alongside a special program titled "May Brings Victory!" that will run from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. This event will include a concert dedicated to May 1, interactive children's play programs, and a master class in decorative and applied arts.
In the heart of Berdsk, the Krylytso GDK will present the concert "Peace. Labor. May," organized by local creative teams, starting at 1:00 PM. Additionally, a ceremonial laying of flowers will take place at memorial plaques honoring several distinguished citizens of Berdsk, including the Honorary Citizens Naumov Nikolai Petrovich and Tamara Anatolyevna Shubina, as well as Hero of Socialist Labor Alexander Nikolaevich Shkulov.
The total budget for the May 1 celebrations in Berdsk is set at 56,000 rubles, with 30,000 rubles allocated for purchasing 250 scarlet carnations for the ceremony. However, it is important to note that there will be no traditional May Day procession of labor collectives this year. Oksana Mokrienko, the director of the culture department, explained that this decision was made in light of safety requirements.
In addition to the concerts, a motocross event dedicated to May 1 will take place on May 4 at 10:00 AM at the local motocross track. This will include competitions in MTB, cross-country, and BMX racing.
Meanwhile, in Novosibirsk's Akademgorodok, a May Day event is scheduled for April 30 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, concluding the international student forum "Interweek." This year's festival has expanded its format to include participation from multiple universities, with delegations engaging in various activities such as the InterGames and the International Arbat concert.
The last full working week before the holidays has begun across Russia, with the upcoming May holidays offering a total of eight days off. The first set of holidays runs from May 1 to May 4, while the second set occurs from May 8 to May 11. Notably, April 30 will be a shortened working day, allowing workers to prepare for the celebrations.
According to Tatyana Podolskaya, an expert from the RANEPA, the working hours on April 30 will be reduced by one hour due to the holiday on May 1. Interestingly, there will be no reduction in working time on May 7, as May 8 is a day off transferred from February 23. Podolskaya noted that it may not be advantageous for salaried employees to take vacation days in May due to the numerous non-working days, suggesting that July and October would be better months for taking leave.
As for the weather, forecasts indicate that the first week of May in Novosibirsk will have pleasant temperatures ranging from +14 to +16 degrees Celsius, a welcome change for those looking to enjoy outdoor festivities. This is particularly significant following recent severe weather that caused disruptions and even fatalities in the region.
In addition to the celebrations, May 2025 will also see the implementation of several changes to payments for specific groups of citizens. Veterans of the Great Patriotic War will receive a one-time payment of 80,000 rubles, while members of civilian aircraft crews and employees in the coal industry with over 25 years of service will also receive additional financial support.
These changes are targeted at assisting those whose working conditions or life circumstances necessitate extra material help, reflecting a broader commitment to support vulnerable populations.
Overall, the May holidays in Berdsk and across Russia promise to be a time of celebration, reflection, and community spirit. With a variety of events planned, residents are sure to enjoy the festive atmosphere that marks this important time of year.
