Hundreds of balloons are released into the sky, symbolizing the high-school students leaving school and entering the real world.
Nina Zotina/RIA NovostiIn Russia, this coming-of-age moment is known as the “Last Bell”. It traditionally involves the heftiest final-year student carrying on their shoulders the prettiest first-grader, who rings a large bell.
Valery Matytsin/TASSIn some Russian schools, the Last Bell is celebrated with national songs and dances, often followed by a party that lasts well into the night.
Said Tzarnaev/RIA NovostiIn Islamic regions of Russia, on this special day girls wear white headscarves, instead of traditional bows.
Yelena Afonina/TASSThe end of school is also the end of childhood—and the beginning of adult life.
Valery Melnikov/RIA NovostiThe Last Bell often coincides with Russia's traditional May showers and thunderstorms.
Valeriy Melnikov/RIA NovostiFor many school-leavers, bathing in a fountain in sunny weather is an obligatory part of the Last Bell festivities.
Valery Matytsin/TASSSchool-leavers may live in the same yard or even the same apartment block, but the poignancy of the moment makes the tears flow as if this is goodbye forever.
Kirill Kallinnikov/RIA NovostiSubscribe
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