It's the anniversary of the Revolution, and we're on Red Square.
After the premiere of the Russian ballet several people wrote to me, asking what is the meaning of the red flag at the end of 'The Firebird'. In contemporary Russia the red flag is an emblem of those who believe that the prosperity of the entire world depends on the freedom of its peoples, achieved only through a victorious struggle.
Today the workers are celebrating their holiday. Going by the new calendar this takes place on 1 May. In the city there were demonstrations. It is the first time it has been celebrated freely in Russia. The weather is damp and snowy. I went to the woods.
May 1 was celebrated in a new style - there were no cabmen anywhere, there were no cabs, no trams were running. The street, which was flooded with bright sunlight, was crowded with people. There were processions with red flags, among which were blue Jewish and black anarchist flags. See more
Comrades, workers and soldiers! Today, I am sure, the bright holiday of May 1 is again celebrated by the majority of workers of all countries. The workers no longer listen to their capitalists anymore, to their robbers and wilhemls, their Lloyd George ministers. See more
I will never forget an adventure which happened to me on the border of Chiasso. I was travelling with a portrait of myself, which had been painted by Picasso not long before that. When the military authorities searched my luggage, they discovered the painting and refused to let it through. I was asked what the painting was, and when I replied that this was my portrait painted by a famous artist, they did not believe me: "This is not a portrait, but a plan", - they said. See more
Dear Gertrude!
I've been working for days on my decorations and costumes and also on two paintings, which were started here. I want to finish them before the dearture. Decorations will be finished right here. Here I have 60 ballerinas. I go to sleep late. I know every girl in Rome. See more
According to the orthodox calendar to-day is the 18th April; but the Soviet has decided that we shall nationally adopt the Western style so as to fall in time with the proletariats of all countries and illustrate the international solidarity of the working classes, in spite of the war and the illusions of the bourgeoisie. See more
Abroad, today is the first of May. Our "blockheads" decided to celebrate the day by processions through the streets with musicians and red flags. They came openly to us in the park and placed garlands on the graves. The weather got worse up to the time of the celebration. See more