Children with families wait to enter Moscow Kremlin, 1989 (photo)

Children with families wait to enter Moscow Kremlin. Between December 28 and January 10, a traditional New Year celebration is held for children in the Kremlin Palace of Congresses. Three times each day, six thousand children come to participate. 252,000 children attended in 1989. When the children arrive, they must leave their parents outside and proceed to the huge cloakroom to remove their heavy clothes. Pioneers from the Young Komsomol help the children. They tuck their ticket stubs into their shoes, since they will need them to retrieve a present as they leave. They line up and are greeted by musicians, clowns, and children dressed as snow queens, and Santa Clauses. In the lobby is the Commandant's orchestra, and a huge plastic "fir tree." The children play games and have short competitions. In the auditorium the children first see some cartoons, then a live performance. Before leaving, the children receive their gift boxes of candy in the shape of a Kremlin Tower in the lobby. The children dress and proceed to Cathedral Square where parents, friends, and relatives surround the huge square. The children parade in a circle, until their parents are found. The circle narrows until a few last children and parents are left. Members of the Commandant's staff (KGB men) take on an uncharacteristic role, zipping jackets, wiping noses, and drying tears. Photo by Cary Sol Wolinsky