In Grozny, people get to New Year festivities through metal detectors

Chechnya continues to celebrate the New Year holidays. Places of cultural events and folk festivals are guarded by the police day and night.

People can attend the festivities at approach the main republic's New Year Tree, placed in the centre of Grozny, by passing through the metal detector and personal search by the police. The reinforced security measures will be maintained in the republic till January 10.

The main republic's New Year Tree is placed in the centre of Grozny. Most of the visitors of the site are residents of different regions of the republic. These days, they specially come to the Chechen capital with their families.

According to a staff member of the administration of Grozny, the main republic's New Year Tree is the highest one in Northern Caucasus. "Its height is 40 meters, and it is the highest tree in the South of Russia, and one of the largest in our country," the official has noted.

Sanet I., a resident of the republic, said that, in general, the festival had been organized very well: there were leisure-time entertainments, mobile cafes, and a circus. However, according to the woman, the prices on everything are quite high.

The republic has a lot of people who do not celebrate the New Year. "I do not celebrate the New Year holidays, especially at the New Year Tree, since it is a pagan holiday. However, I do not yet forbid my children to visit the festivities at the New Year Tree. When they grow up a bit, then I'll explain them why they should not do that. Islam has its own holidays," Khasan T., a resident of Grozny, believes.