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Russia’s Sakha Republic in Siberia bans Halloween celebrations at schools

Schools should hold educational events and activities aimed at preserving and strengthening spiritual and moral values, fostering patriotic ideas in the country, and preserving the historical heritage of the peoples who live in the country, the document says

YAKUTSK, October 27. /TASS/. The Ministry of Education and Science of Russia’s Sakha (Yakutia) Republic has distributed a letter to the Siberian region’s public schools and other institutions stipulating that Halloween celebrations are prohibited.

"It is necessary to take measures to prevent Halloween celebrations at schools and other educational institutions. Schools should hold educational events and activities aimed at preserving and strengthening spiritual and moral values, fostering patriotic ideas in the country, and preserving the historical heritage of the peoples who live in the country," the letter, signed by First Deputy Minister of Education and Science Alevtina Argunova, states.

As the regional education ministry clarified to TASS, the letter was distributed across all districts within the republic.

"[Halloween] has begun to be celebrated in our republic. Teenagers and young people, in particular, love it. The ritualistic aspects of the holiday attract them; the children make various masks, decorate the premises, and prepare [Halloween-]themed treats. However, in light of recent events, the leadership of the Ministry of Education and Science of [Sakha] Yakutia considers it inappropriate to celebrate this event and recommends that observations of this holiday not be held on the educational institution’s premises," the regional education ministry’s press service said, citing the letter.

Halloween is celebrated annually on the eve of the Roman Catholic holiday All Saints' Day on the night of October 31 to November 1. Initially, Halloween was widespread only in English-speaking countries, but has recently become popular virtually worldwide.

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