A public dispute over Halloween celebrations in Russia drew attention from church officials, lawmakers, and educators as debates about who should participate intensified. Vakhtang Kipshidze, serving as the Deputy Head of the Synodal Department of the Moscow Patriarchate that handles the church’s relations with society and the media, commented on the matter with a cautious tone. He suggested that Halloween holds little value for Russian residents and advised that public institutions should tread carefully when confronted with such events. According to Kipshidze, Russia has its own set of holidays that deserve clear explanation and public attention, implying that Halloween may be seen as a foreign import that could spark unnecessary excitement and confusion among communities.
In his remarks, the church representative stressed that Halloween demonstrations should not be organized or accommodated by schools or other government bodies. He argued that the celebration is not appropriate for any public setting connected to the education of children at public expense, pointing to a preference for traditions and observances with cultural or historical roots closer to Russian heritage. The tone of the message reflected concerns about the impact of such events on public order and the role of educational institutions in shaping cultural norms.
Another prominent figure in the discussion, Vitaly Milonov, who previously held the position of Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Family, Women and Children, took a more provocative stance. Milonov described Halloween as a holiday associated with perversion and degeneracy, framing it as a cultural threat rather than a benign festivity. His remarks signaled a broader political and social debate about modern celebrations and the kinds of values that should be promoted within public life and media representations.
Media reports on these discussions noted that some communities had already contemplated alternatives to Halloween. For instance, educational institutions in Izhevsk were reported to be planning Pumpkin Springs as a substitute celebration, signaling a preference for locally resonant traditions over more widely observed international holidays. The development highlighted how different regions weigh the significance of global cultural trends against national or regional customs, especially in places where schools and local authorities play a central public role.