Those who sail the seven seas and protect the Russian motherland will join their compatriots during the Navy Day celebrations at Kolomenskoye estate-museum on Sunday July 30.

Honoring the Russian Navy is a new tradition. The first celebration was held in 1997 as part of the program commemorating Moscow's 850th anniversary.

The celebrations are scheduled to start at noon and will include multiple events at various sites in the park. The Exemplary Navy Orchestra and numerous wind bands and folk troupes, including the Svetolitiye bell-ringers' band, dancing troupes and circus actors will perform.

The ‘Year 1825 Pavilion' will open an exhibition called ‘Dedicated to the Russian Fleet' at 1 p.m., featuring unique exhibits. The Pavilion will host a concert of classical music closer to evening.

The action will heat up at the Moscow River embankment at 2 p.m. when rows of sailors begin marching with battle banners of the Russian Navy followed by speeches from senior Navy officers and Moscow government officials.

The festivities will continue with a gala-show called ‘Let the Russian Fleet Be!' presented by the ‘Petrovtsy' military-historical club, ‘Karo' equestrian club, marine squads, ‘Chibatukha' folk band and the Travel Club of the International Academy of Tourism. The show will include horse, yacht and even helicopter extravaganzas.

The Navy Day celebration will close with a bang — with a scheduled firework performance.

Kolomenskoye Park will offer its usual entertainment, such as horseback riding, boating tours down the Moscow River. Concession stands and restaurants on the premises will be open as usual.

The choice of Kolomenskoye estate for Navy Day celebrations was no accident as its is closely tied to the birth of the Russian Navy.

Peter the Great, the founder of Russian fleet, spent his early years at the royal estate located on the Moscow River's right bank. It was here that Peter first developed an interest in maritime activities, frequently sailing the river's winding course.

In 1690, intrigued by the potential of military sea power, Peter formed a flotilla of river vessels and sailed off from Kolomenskoye to the Nikola-Ugresh Monastery located in the Moscow region.

ESTATE-MUSEUM KOLOMENSKOYE
39 Prospekt Andropova
Metro: Kolomenskoye
Tel: 114-5384
Cost: Park is Free; ‘Year 1825 Pavilion' is 3 to 7 rubles; Peter the Great House is 10 rubles.