Derbent townspeople dispute in social networks about New Year celebrations

Mass New Year celebrations in Derbent, like the holiday itself, were inappropriate amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine, some commentators have stated in the local public. Other users have objected saying that the New Year is a secular holiday and celebrations thereof have already become a tradition.

On December 31, Dagestani authorities reported that a New Year holiday was organized for refugees from Palestine accommodated at a recreation centre near Makhachkala.

On December 31, a video of mass New Year celebrations in Derbent was posted in the "VKontakte" social network. The event attracted several hundred people.

Some commentators spoke out against celebrating the New Year.

"How can people celebrate anything when there is such turmoil in Palestine?" the user Betti Taylor has asked.

"People are killed in Palestine, just like in other countries. And they clap their hands," the user Tugarin Zmey has noted.

Other commentators spoke in favour of celebrating the New Year.

"The New Year is celebrated by people of different cultures and beliefs. It's like linking May 9 to religion," the user Alexei Alekseev has emphasized.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that residents of Dagestan have repeatedly argued about the need to celebrate the New Year. Thus, young people danced the Lezginka in a square in Derbent. The celebration of the New Year is against the customs of Dagestani nations, some social network commentators have stated. Others have noted that the holiday is secular and therefore does not contradict traditions.