Bendery, 9 June. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. A large-scale cultural and entertainment program "Russian Evening" dedicated to Russia Day was held today in the Bendery Fortress under the auspieces of the presidential administration, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the OGRF in Pridnestrovie, the State Administration of Bendery. The main organizers of the project became a number of public organisations.
The event started in Tiraspol's Suvorov Square with a bike, cycling and auto rally. In an interview with Novosti Pridnestrovya, the administrator of the auto club "Mercedes" Igor Bogdanov said that about 45 cars participated in the rally.
"We are holding such a large-scale auto rally for the first time. Last year, only motorists were invited to participate in it; this year bikers and cyclists have joined us," said Igor Bogdanov.
The convoy gathered up to 600 people, and the length of the route was 12 km, the head of the cycling club "Pokatushki" Igor Krizhanovsky added.
"The length of the distance has not been chosen by chance. We tried to make it suitable, including for beginners, while participation in the race was interesting for experienced bicyclists as well," he said. We consider ourselves to be part of Russia; it provides invaluable support and assistance to Pridnestrovie. Through our rally, we wanted to demonstrate again our unity and our gratitude to the Russian Federation."
Among the participants of the bike rally was Minister of Internal Affairs Ruslan Mova. In an interview with journalists, he reminded that it was not the first time that he was participating in such an event, and there was no question as to whether to take part this year or not - this is a good tradition.
The rally finished at the Citadel of the Bendery Fortress.
The main events of "Russian Evening" continued in the fortress. A tour of the citadel started from Munchausen Memorial Square. After that, the visitors - from 2,000 to 3,000, according to preliminary estimates - had the opportunity to see medieval knight battles, as well as the exhibition of the armor and weapons of knights. The performance had been staged by the Center of Russian Martial Arts "Ristal". In addition, the guests of the holiday were also invited to visit craftsmen shops. The chhildren were entertained by animators; the fans of modern technologies were able to test the possibilities of modern 3D simulators.
"We have always remained and felt part of the Russian world, whose main idea is the equality of peoples, their right to develop and live in peace and harmony. Being in the Bendery Fortress, you remember that more than once the Russian soldier was a defender and repulsed the invaders and aggressors. We will never forget the role that Russia played in ending the war of 1992. And today, the peacekeeper is a guarantor of stability and security in the country. We have the common past, present and, I am sure, the common future. Long live Great Russia!" said Pavel Prokudin, an adviser to the Pridnestrovian president, addressing the people gathered in the Bendery Fortress.
The holiday culminated in a fire show and a firework.
