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Ricardo Marquina
Veliky Ustyug is a town in the northeast of Vologda Oblast. In the past it was one of the major cities of Russian North. Since the 1999, Veliky Ustyug was declared as the residence of Ded Moroz, a Russian analogue of Santa Claus.
Ricardo Marquina
The residence, which is a resort promoted as the Votchina (Estate), of Ded Moroz, is a major tourist attraction. It is actually located 16 km (10 miles) from the town.
Ricardo Marquina
The literal translation of Ded Moroz would be "Grandpa Frost", although the name is often translated as "Father Frost". Ded Moroz is said to bring presents to children, however, unlike the secretive Santa Claus, the gifts are often delivered in person.
Ricardo Marquina
There are equivalents of Ded Moroz and Snegurochka all over the former USSR, as well as the countries once in the so-called Socialistic bloc and in the former Yugoslavia. Today they all have gathered in Veliky Ustyug to greet their famous Russian colleague.
Ricardo Marquina
Ded Moroz is very popular in modern Russia. In the last 7 years, the post office in Veliky Ustyug received approximately 2,000,000 letters from Russian children for Ded Moroz.
Ricardo Marquina
Thanks to Ded Moroz, since 1999 the number of tourists visiting Veliky Ustyug rose from 2,000 to 200,000 a year and has kept on growing.
Ricardo Marquina
Day trips include all meals, transfers and activities and cost about $150. Rooms in Veliky Ustyug can cost between $40 for a single and $100 for a double.
Ricardo Marquina
Children (an adults, of course) who want to write to Ded Moroz should send their letters to: 162390, Russia. Vologda region, Veliky Ustyug, Ded Moroz Mail.
Ricardo Marquina
This beatiful girl is Snegurochka (Snow Maiden), Ded Moroz' granddaughter. People playing Ded Moroz and Snegurochka now typically make appearances at children's parties during the winter holiday season throughout Russia.
Ricardo Marquina
Veliky Ustyug is also a meeting place for the annual Good Deeds Forum, which is held under the aegis of Ded Moroz himself.
Ricardo Marquina
There is a Fashion Factory near the Estate of Ded Moroz, which produces carnival costumes and fancy dress.
Ricardo Marquina
Though all of costumes are professionally made, everyone is invited to take a place near the sewing machine. Even children could try to create a carnival dress.
Ricardo Marquina
Ded Moroz usually lights up the first New Year's tree on his birthday - November, 18th. Ded Moroz lit the lights on the Christmas tree in Velikiy Ustyug's main square with his magic staff, thus kicking off the festive season.
Ricardo Marquina
In late December Ded Moroz traditionally leaves his forest residence to open New Year's parties. Thanks to the GLONASS satellite system, anyone in any part of the globe is able to learn where he now is.
