The Red October factory with image of Alyonka, the company's main logo since 1966. Photo: lidenz.ru
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I had the fortune to take part in a Moscow State U language course in summer 2001. Among the sites our wonderful coordinator from AATSEEL arranged for us to tour was this gem of a brick building on the bank of the Moskva river. The Red October Candy Factory, originally named for its mid-19th-century German founder, Theodor Ferdinand von Einem, produces very iconic Russian chocolates. Ironically, Tsar Nicholas II was once of its biggest customer's before his demise following the event for which the company is named.
No commie sympathy here
Lest anyone think I'm "glorifying Red October," let me make an important historical note. Contrary to much popular misunderstanding of events, Nicholas II actually abdicated in following 1917's February Revolution, while Lenin was still living in exile in Zürich; the October "Revolution" was really a coup that overthrew the provisional government. The Bolsheviks forced the country to hold new elections, and when the results only gave them only a quarter of seats in the legislature, they forcefully disbanded it.
But names stick, so what can you do? Anyway, they make delicious stuff, and have some very attractive wrappers. (But they've since relocated; see below.)
No commie sympathy here
Lest anyone think I'm "glorifying Red October," let me make an important historical note. Contrary to much popular misunderstanding of events, Nicholas II actually abdicated in following 1917's February Revolution, while Lenin was still living in exile in Zürich; the October "Revolution" was really a coup that overthrew the provisional government. The Bolsheviks forced the country to hold new elections, and when the results only gave them only a quarter of seats in the legislature, they forcefully disbanded it.
But names stick, so what can you do? Anyway, they make delicious stuff, and have some very attractive wrappers. (But they've since relocated; see below.)
If you go
You can't get the tour anymore, as the main factory moved away from the center of town. But the place has become home to galleries and studios, and it's one of the coolest spots in town for foodies and clubbers.
More info:
You'll find a brief overview from a language institute here.
Weburbanist.com has more detail and lots of pics.
My Destination has a good article on the current state of things.
You can't get the tour anymore, as the main factory moved away from the center of town. But the place has become home to galleries and studios, and it's one of the coolest spots in town for foodies and clubbers.
More info:
You'll find a brief overview from a language institute here.
Weburbanist.com has more detail and lots of pics.
My Destination has a good article on the current state of things.
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