Russia will celebrate a national holiday, Spring and Labor Day, on May 1, with trade unions and political parties set to hold rallies across the country.
In Soviet times May 1 was celebrated in Russia as International Workers' Day and saw massive Communist Party rallies. In 1992, the name was changed to Spring and Labor Day but it still remains a national holiday.
About 1.7 million people are expected to take part in holiday events across the country, including demonstrations by the ruling United Russia party, the Communists and trade unions, the ultranationalist LDPR Party and the liberal Yabloko party.
Russian police has been on high alert since April 28 in preparation for the holiday, which will continue until May 4 this year.
"About 66,500 policemen and up to 2,400 interior troops will ensure public safety on May 1-3," an Interior Ministry spokesman told RIA Novosti on Friday.
According to police officials, major security measures will be focused on preventing terrorist acts in public places and during mass rallies all around Russia.
MOSCOW, May 1 (RIA Novosti)
