INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Authorities in the little Russian town of Irbit stimulated debate by dressing statues of Russian innovative Vladimir Lenin and Empress
Catherine the Great as festive New Years characters.Lenin was dressed in a red gown resembling Ded Moroz, a bearded figure comparable to
Santa Claus, while Catherine the Great was embellished in a blue dress typically connected with Snegurochka, Ded Morozs granddaughter and
helper.The non-traditional decors dealt with backlash from some homeowners, who explained the relocation as ill-mannered and stupid
Others called for the towns mayor to resign, with some even recommending criminal charges for vandalism.Our society is degrading
What type of example are we setting for future generations if some adults think this is entertaining? the Telegram channel Irbit Incident
quoted one regional as saying.Despite the criticism, regional officials protected their decision.The organizers of this dress-up did not
plan to offend Irbit citizens or their [political] views, the town council wrote on social networks
The sole aim was to create a festive New Years environment
The outfits will be gotten rid of after the holidays.Irbit, situated in the Sverdlovsk region, has a population of less than 40,000 people.
