Monday is a public holiday in Russia. But for men, it’s not a day to spend relaxing in front of the TV.
International Women’s Day is widely celebrated in Russia – and men have been flocking to shops in search of bouquets and gifts.
This is also one of the rare days when women can expect men to don aprons and oven gloves, to cook up some surprises.
Ideally, for women the holiday means a day of fun and games – away from the kitchen.
The Eighth of March, as the holiday is better known in Russian, was first celebrated in the country in 1913. During the Soviet era, it was supposed to celebrate the role of women in the Revolution.