Anti-Putin demonstrators, holiday celebrants take to Moscow streets

MOSCOW >> Two worlds collided in central Moscow on Sunday.

One was organized by the government of Vladimir Putin; the other opposed the Russian president.

Both filled the streets with youths, whether they were dancing in leotards or climbing lampposts in anger.

All this unfolded against the backdrop of Moscow’s 871st birthday, on a day when regional elections were held across the country, including for the capital’s mayor.

As Muscovites went out to vote, or take a stroll through the dolled-up city, thousands of supporters of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny protested Putin’s unpopular plans to raise the pension age.

The result was bizarre and somewhat surreal. Children had their pictures taken besides people in period costumes, while columns of riot police assembled just yards away.

Performers pranced about Moscow’s main thoroughfare, which was pedestrianized for the day’s festivities, as the din of crowds chanting “Putin is a thief!” and “Down with the czar!” floated above the classical music.

Moscow authorities spent over $6 million on the anniversary holiday this weekend, Russian media reported, with $1.5 million going toward cloud-dispersing technology that ensured the capital was drenched in sunlight.