Kremlin guards signal spring

The Presidential Regiment has held this year’s first Changing of the Guard ceremony in the Kremlin - a sure sign that spring finally coming to Moscow.

The Kremlin guards in historic costumes and their graceful horses have conducted their first “mount” of the year, accompanied by a military orchestra.As with all such previous events the parade attracted the close attention of the media, tourists and locals.The Guard Mounting parade ceremony takes place every Saturday from April to November on Cathedral Square in the Kremlin and involves infantry and cavalry. The Guard of Honor squadron and cavalry escort demonstrated the manual-of-arms evolutions and cavalry roundabout.Dating back to the 18th Century, the tradition was interrupted by the Revolution, totally forgotten during Soviet times and was revived only six years ago.The Presidential Regiment of Kremlin Guards is probably Russia’s most elite military regiment. Candidates to the Kremlin Guards have to face a tough selection process and those who pass all tests work on mastering their skills every day during the whole period of service. The Presidential Regiment represents the Russian military at parades and forms the guard of honor that greets the heads of foreign states on their arrival to Russia.