Russian Senator Natalia Kosikhina, representing President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party, has recently called for a ban on Halloween celebrations in all schools across Russia, criticizing the holiday as an undesirable Western influence. Her statement emphasizes a desire to eradicate the public’s memory of Halloween, with an intention to minimize any mentions in media outlets, advertising, and retail settings. Kosikhina expressed concerns about the holiday’s theme, specifically the practice of children dressing up as “dead people and evil spirits,” and openly critiqued the act of celebrating what she views as “dark forces,” even in a playful context. This escalating campaign against Halloween reflects broader themes of cultural defense in contemporary Russia.
Kosikhina’s call for a ban has sparked considerable debate among both supporters and opponents of the idea. She acknowledged that imposing a total prohibition on Halloween might generate a stronger desire among young people to engage in these celebrations. Therefore, she strategically proposed restricting Halloween festivities specifically within educational institutions, including schools and universities. This protective stance against perceived Western cultural encroachment echoes ongoing discussions within Russian political circles concerning the preservation of traditional values amidst globalization.
The senator’s concerns extend beyond Halloween to another cultural phenomenon known as “kvadrobers,” in which teenagers dress as animals and emulate their behaviors. This trend has drawn comparisons to the Western “furry” subculture but is criticized by Kosikhina and other Russian lawmakers as a symptom of Western psychological warfare aimed at dehumanizing Russian youth. Such sentiments have been echoed by various high-ranking officials, including Vyacheslav Volodin, the chair of the State Duma, who claims that trends like this represent an orchestrated attack from Western powers to undermine the essence of Russian identity and humanity.
Volodin voiced an alarming narrative that paints the dwindling dominance of the United States and its European allies as a motive for a so-called “Dehumanization” project. By framing these cultural expressions as threats to national integrity, lawmakers aim to mobilize public sentiment against perceived foreign influences. Kosikhina, reflecting this stance, has strongly advocated for an outright prohibition of kvadrobers, cautioning that such activities could irreparably harm the psychological well-being of children and potentially lead to dire repercussions. Her strong rhetoric portrays these practices as dire manifestations of a broader conspiracy against Russian values.
Interestingly, the criticism of kvadrobers does not solely stem from ideological grounds; there are practical concerns as well. Law enforcement officials have raised alarms that the presence of individuals in elaborate costumes could inadvertently lead to increased criminal activities, citing incidents where participants in the trend have behaved aggressively or inappropriately toward bystanders. This leads to a prudent question: to what extent might these cultural movements contribute to societal complications beyond their entertaining veneer?
Amidst the fervent opposition to these trends from United Russia and its affiliates, voices from the opposition firmly reject the notion of additional bans on cultural expressions, including Halloween. State Duma lawmaker Andrei Svintsov, representing the Liberal Democratic Party, articulated a contrasting approach. He suggests that rather than imposing further restrictions that could alienate the public, lawmakers should consider initiatives that promote positivity and joy. Such discussions reflect a broader tension within Russian politics, where the management of cultural diversity and citizen sentiment plays a crucial role in governance. As this cultural discourse unfolds, the effectiveness and popularity of these state-directed movements remain to be seen, particularly in a public that increasingly seeks its own modes of expression amidst the imposed cultural narratives.