YAKUTIA.INFO
Republic Day parade in Yakutsk leaves behind mountains of trash
Following the Republic Day celebrations on April 27, community activist Anton Vasilyev reported littering at Us Khatyn. For those unfamiliar, one of the central events of the holiday was a large-scale motorcade, with hundreds of cars adorned with Yakutia's flags taking part.
Hundreds of vehicles gathered to drive in procession to Komsomolskaya Square. The event was grand and visually striking: cars were decorated with Yakut flags, and traffic police ensured order.
Yet the festivities took an unpleasant turn—prominent activist and volunteer Anton Vasilyev noted that participants had left trash behind. A long-time campaigner against illegal dumping and an advocate for cleanliness in Yakutia, Vasilyev could not ignore the mess and collected the waste himself. He documented the violation with photos and videos, calling on organizers and participants to take greater responsibility.
As of publication, there has been no official response from the motorcade's organizers or city authorities to Vasilyev's statement. The question remains: Who will clean up after the celebrations—municipal services or, once again, volunteers? The incident reignites the debate over environmental responsibility at public events. While Republic Day is a cherished occasion for all Yakuts, true patriotism must begin with respect for the place you call home.
It is worth recalling the Yakutsk City Resident Code, adopted in December 2025: "Do not litter—treat the city as you would your own home. Respect the work of street cleaners and all who maintain cleanliness."