Photos show costumed participants steer stand-up paddle boards at a festival in Russia

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Thousands of people attend an annual festival where participants wear costumes and steer stand-up paddle boards down picturesque waterways in St. Petersburg, Russia.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Photos show costumed participants steer stand-up paddle boards at a festival in Russia

Bookmark popover

Photos show costumed participants steer stand-up paddle boards at a festival in Russia

Thank you for registering