The eagerly anticipated evening show of the 2024 Spasskaya Tower International Military Tattoo, honoring the Defenders of the Motherland, took place this Wednesday, August 21, and media representatives were the first to witness it. Ensembles from across the globe and Russia joined forces in Moscow to narrate their tales of courage and dedication.
With the Spasskaya Tower chimes hitting 8 o’clock sharp, the show began. From the time of Peter the Great through the Great Patriotic War and up today, military men in different uniforms marched along the cobblestones of Red Squares.
The stage was then taken by the President’s Band of the Moscow Kremlin Commandant’s Office. The stalwart participants of the Festival, they have once again impressed the audiences with their exceptional music feeling and outstanding proficiency. Accompanied by the Presidential Regiment’s Honor Guard Unit, some of the best military musicians of the country staged an authentic open ground or platz concert showcasing both musical and arms drilling skills.
The Military Band of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army was the first foreign participant to step onto the cobblestones of Red Square. Sounds of mighty military marches and authentic Chinese drums filled the air, taking the stands on a thrilling musical journey, with the Russian popular hit Kalinka stirring standing ovations.
Artists from Belarus, Thailand, Turkey, Egypt, Venezuela and South Africa also wowed the guests with their artistic talents and national vibes.
As for the gorgeous Amazons of Guinea, they have put on a wonderful debut performance. All smiles and positive emotions, they conquered the stands with their unique tunes, dances and songs.
As usual, Russia was represented by some of the best military and law enforcement agencies’ artistic teams, among them the 23d Military Band of the Leningrad Military District, the Combined Police Band, the Central Military Band of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Central Band of the Russian Border Guards and many others.
The boys and girls of the Moscow Military Music College named after Lieutenant General Valery Khalilov and All-Girls Boarding School of the MoD gave all their youthful energy, drive and enthusiasm for music.
The evening ended with a grand performance by the Spasskaya Tower Festival combined band, with the participants leaving Red Square to the sounds of the iconic Farewell of Slavianka march.
Scale, audience and impact wise, the Spasskaya Tower Festival has no par, every year being recognized as the most prominent international cultural event in Russia, as well as being ranked among the world’s best top three military tattoos. In 2024, audiences will be treated to ten spectacular showtimes featuring some of the country and world’s best military music and creative ensembles as well as honor guard units.
In 2023, the Spasskaya Tower Festival won the second grant contest from the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.
It’s being carried out following the Order of the Russian President Vladimir Putin, under the aegis of the Public Council headed by Mr. Alexander Zhukov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, and enjoying the long-standing support of the Russian MoD, MFA and Moscow’s Department of Culture.
Tickets for the Tattoo are available via the Festival official website (www.spasstower.ru) and the Festival’s ticket office on Red Square at the intersection with Il’inka street. The ticket office is open daily, from 11 am to 8 pm on Mondays through Fridays, and from 12 am to 9 pm on weekends.
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