Halloween 2004

Perhaps the most eagerly awaited day of the city's nocturnal creatures is drawing near - Halloween. This year Moscow clubs are showing off their most vivid creative sides, dazzling with a variety of parties. Even the most demanding clubber will find a festive atmosphere to suit them.
A glamorous version of the nightmare is being prepared by the promoters of the club Zeppelin. "A true ball of darkness for young monsters, witches and vampires" will take place at the club Gaudi. Imposing decorations and a dimly lit car park for 1,000 vehicles at the entrance will let you feel the action at full force, to the musical accompaniment of the princess from Amsterdam - Monica Electronica, Paul Jackson and the chocolate diva Smokin Jo. This "feast of horror", according to the organisers, will also be marked by exclusive appearances from special guests: Zhanna Friske, Gosha Kutsenko and Ilya Lagutenko with a special programme, "Night Rift. Become the Other!".
Advance tickets from 1,000 to 3,000 roubles.
The immortal club XIII has for several years running let guests revel in a chosen era, inviting them into castles and dungeons. This time the Halloween celebration will take place in the famous Ryabushinsky mansion at 13 Myasnitskaya, whose fantastical interiors will serve as natural scenery for Europe's foremost costume ball. Among the invited guests are some of the most influential figures in the world of contemporary dance music: Kenny Dope (Masters At Work) , Playboy playmate DJ Keri and the famous Hed Kandi. Admission to the ball is only in carnival costume. Ticket price from 1,000 roubles. VIP area - 3,000 roubles.
Those wishing to plunge into the atmosphere of the East and see how this night is spent in Japan are invited by the club First to its Zen-Halloween. They promise video installations on the walls and a fine atmosphere. The club's residents will play their best sets. It is worth putting together a costume carefully - the already strict face control will be working at the door.
The club Fabrique is expecting guests as early as 29 October - the first day of "Halloween weekend in Fabrique". Awaiting you is a "Venetian carnival and a splendid show in the best traditions of Fabrique", as well as the legendary DJ Gregory - one of the first DJs to devote his talent to house music. Admission to the party will cost 500 roubles.
According to one legend, on the eve of All Saints' Day all the evil spirits descend to earth, while the angels idle about, giving themselves an annual day off. This year the angels have decided to come down to earth and have some fun at the club Trish - such is the twist proposed by the organisers, who invite you to the "Angel's Halloween Party". The main event of the evening will be the appearance before the people of the Russian funk messiah MD&S Pavlov and, specially reincarnated for this evening, funk musicians of the recent past - Jaco Pastorius and Stephan Grappelli. Also performing are funk's best friends: dj Kamotsky, dj Chuck (St Petersburg), a live set by Dyusha from the Moscow Liberation Orchestra, and engineer Garin.
On 30 October Halloween will also be celebrated by Jet-Set. The club, which bills itself as a fashion club, is throwing a truly fashion party in the style of Salvador Dali. The programme promises mysteries and rites in the spirit of the Master, and the guests of this spectacle will be DJ Sergio Patricio and "stunning freaks who have come especially from Dali's homeland". You will be able to look at the "freaks" by booking a table in advance, since having a costume by no means guarantees your entry into the club.
Treibstoff label founder Marcel Janovsky will visit the well-known club Mix. Incubator-style decorations will let you feel the morning after Halloween night in all its glory. Entry by club cards only.
The club "Slava" invites lively characters to light it up in an atmosphere of universal bacchanalia and sabbath to the sounds of the unrivalled virtuoso of vinyl sets - Kasey Taylor. Entry will cost from 1,200 to 1,500 roubles. A mighty party with great sound is guaranteed.
Also joining in the widespread horror on the night of the 30th will be the revived club Gorod 2, where a Happy Halloween Party with little flowers and bunnies will take place. Two days in a row the resident DJs will entertain you with their AntiHalloween programme and a closing party on Monday titled "The Last Halloween of the Year". The colour of the parties is white. Admission for people in other colours - 300 roubles.
Also, for those who start celebrating on the 29th, there is a wonderful chance to be the first to greet the forces of darkness at a place called "Medvezhyi Ozyora" (Bear Lakes), where, as in years past and this year too, a secret, mystical rite will unfold with real fire shows, unique performances and the best Moscow DJs. Getting there will not be easy: a free bus will depart from Shchelkovskaya metro station from 22:00. Or make your own way to: Moscow Region, Shchyolkovsky District, Medvezhye Ozero village, Fishing & Sports Base, house 65a. Shchelkovskoye Highway, 12 km from the MKAD, on the shore of the Bear Lakes. And it is better to book yourself a cabin in advance, so you have somewhere to hide from the evil spirits, by phone on 363 90 65.
And of course no Halloween is complete without a carnival costume. Various theatre studios and salons will help you choose your outfits. Here are a few addresses you can turn to.
"Krylaty Krokodil" (The Winged Crocodile) - a place with a fairly large selection of outfits, around 600 of them. Address - Karetny Ryad Street, building 3, block 7, phone 299-47-16.
"Arte" offers one-of-a-kind costumes at: Novy Arbat Street, 38/1, phone 509-27-30.
"Karnaval 2000" - makes to order, address: Shchelkovskoye Highway, building 5, phone 163-31-50.
"Master Snap" - address: 4th Samotechny Lane, building 9, phone 771-56-69.
"Irma" - a theatrical workshop, address: Zemledelchesky Lane, building 12, phone 244-71-02.
You can pick out a costume, apply make-up and do your hair all at once at the Knyazev Producer Centre at: Gilyarovskogo Street, building 57, office 530, phone 688-59-05.
"Taro", address: Myasnitskaya Street, 21/8, block 5, office 23, phone 995 63 42. Prices are quite reasonable - roughly 15-30% of the cost of the costume itself. The minimum rental period is from 1 day.
In the evening, beautiful and terrible, as you leave the house, take a map of the city. For you never know where "the Mask" will lead you.

[photo by Andrey Qzmn]