leisure

Huge crowds stood in line in Tiraspol for the public opening of the city's new Zoo. The permanent facility is the latest attempt at turning Pridnestrovie's capital into a tourist attraction. Entrance is currently free for all ages.

Seven bands took the stage in Tiraspol this weekend for the city's first annual rock-for-charity festival. The event was organized by the youth wing of Pridnestrovie's leading opposition party. Proceeds go to local orphanages and a school for disabled kids.

A Hollywood production, "Rush Hour 3", is the top opening movie in Tiraspol's newly restored multiplex. The cinema has been undergoing extensive renovation since early 2006. It re-opens tonight to a sold out crowd.

Tiraspol is celebrating its 215th birthday with a massive street party and open-air theater. The city was founded in 1792 by Russian general Alexander Suvorov. Before then, the land was part of Ukraine.

Although it is not a sought-after travel destination, the capital of Pridnestrovie now tries to get more tourists with a new visitors' guide. The new booklet contains a map of Tiraspol and tourist recommendations for first-time visitors. It is published in both English and Russian.

Russian pop star Masha Rasputina held a huge concert in Tiraspol this Sunday. The open-air event was free for all residents and visitors. It was held to celebrate the 110 anniversary of "Kvint"-brandy.

Each year on September 2nd, Pridnestrovie celebrates its national independence day. This year's event was number seventeen since the unrecognized country declared its freedom in 1990. The events brought thousands of locals into the street for free food and dancing.

The 'de facto' independent country of Transdnestr (officially: Pridnestrovie) has its hottest summer in a hundred years. From Kamenka in the north to Slobodzya in the south, residents reported record temperatures above 41 degrees Celsius. The prolonged heat is hurting this year's harvest.

Tiraspol is feeling the heat as temperatures pass 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit). "Stay cool and stay calm, and drink plenty of fluids" is the advice given to city residents. Authorities said they had fewer heat-related emergencies than expected.

This weekend Tiraspol was turned into a big public party by the Class of '07. The city's graduates danced in the streets of Pridnestrovie's capital. 1,300 students participated in the street party.