Incredible Russian New Year's Eve

С новым годом Москва!

Spending New Year's Eve on Red Square was certainly one of the most exiting experiences I've had in Russia so far. Not only had I never seen such an impressive security system but also the widespread joy and exitment was absolutely unique! 
Arriving at the metro station we already could feel the spirit of the night to come. Lots of Russians were wearing fancy hats and singing out loud Russians songs or repeating "Happy new year" together. Lots of young people had come in groups, which added to the cheerful atmosphere.
Arriving two hours early, we had to go through 3 security bareers, getting smashed from all sides, and yelled at by not very flexible Russian soldiers. Surprisingly it went quite fast and we didn't lose each other in the incredible crowd. In order to warm up and not to freeze (it was around -10, maybe less) we walked several rounds of the Holy place, listening to Russians singing and dancing together to warm up too.
I have been to big public events in the past but this one was without any doubt the most impressive. I had never seen so many people showing such a true happiness. People tend to say Russians are a distant, cold people, they are not. I already knew these people were very kind and welcoming, but I was surprised by their mood yesterday night. This crazy happiness lasted until the sun rose, and I spent the rest of the night admiring fireworks from my bed, reflecting on the other buildings or directly in front of my window.
This confirmed another Russian habit: Салют or "fireworks in honor of something". Russians love setting fireworks in honor of any kind of event: birthday, new year's eve, christmas, weddings, a birth... This is how we end up watching fireworks every single night from our flat. Indeed, it had been a week since their frequency had augmented, and last night they were endless and literally everywhere in the city. In each district you could see fireworks coming from behind every single building, at every single corner, on every single stadium and small park. It was the most massive event I had ever attended.
It is true life is not always easy here, but people got used to live in tough conditions and need very few to be happy. Whatever stereotype you can hear, Russians ARE a happy people, and they know how to show it.