Similar measures are anticipated for August 2nd, Airborne Forces Day. Local residents have mixed reactions: some deem it excessive, while others view it as a normal practice in recent years.
On Navy Day, fountains in Rostov-on-Don were drained, a decision announced by the city`s Department of Landscaping and Forestry, citing a recommendation from the regional Ministry of Internal Affairs. The fountains will be drained again on August 2nd, for Airborne Forces Day.
Between these two holidays, the fountains are expected to resume operation, with the exception of the large `Atlantes` fountain on Theater Square, which requires a significant amount of time to drain and refill.
Fountains in the city have been turned off for these holidays previously, but those instances were attributed to preventative maintenance and involved targeted draining.
Public Opinion on the Fountain Closures
What do residents think about this? Here`s what local voices shared:
Dmitry Usachev, a resident of Rostov-on-Don:
“Closing the fountains feels like a very strange measure. The main goal here should be to influence people`s mindset, so they don`t act provocatively or make others feel uncomfortable. Instead of closing fountains and dealing with consequences, it would be better to prevent unpleasant situations by honoring VDV and Navy heroes in other ways, making them feel needed, important, and valued, without the need for fountain bathing or assaulting people for a perceived wrong look. As far as I recall, in recent years, fountains have been similarly closed under the guise of `prevention.` Unfortunately, if there are no other ways to influence certain segments of society, authorities resort to such measures. This practice has become normal in recent years, but I wouldn`t call it effective. Otherwise, perhaps once a year, on August 2nd, I remember that someone is supposed to swim in the fountains, but I`ve never actually witnessed it myself.”
Nikolay Grishchenko, an online editor for `Rossiyskaya Gazeta`:
“In Rostov, if the thermometer officially shows 37 degrees Celsius, considering the city is mostly asphalted with little greenery and poor wind circulation, the heat feels more like 45-47 degrees. Fountains are not just for the celebrants; they also help aerate the air. Why did the police take this step? Not because our paratroopers are hooligans, but likely due to a severe staff shortage – the Rostov Oblast Interior Ministry`s main department is understaffed by 40%. They simply cannot ensure public order at these mass events. So, they chose the `better to forbid` approach rather than trying to control, persuade, or educate the public. This causes categorical bewilderment and rejection among people. Our sailors, however, distinguished themselves – they didn`t get into the fountains and instead decorated all these sculptures with their St. Andrew`s flags.”
The Tradition of Fountain Bathing
Bathing in fountains is traditionally associated with Airborne Forces Day. There is no single definitive origin for this custom. One theory suggests that by plunging into the fountains, the `blue berets` are symbolically diving into the sky reflected in the water.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth