Costumed paddleboarders float down Moscow river in carnival

Hundreds of paddleboarders in elaborate costumes floated down Moscow's Yauza river on Sunday for a stand-up paddleboard carnival.

Participants dressed as mermaids, kebab vendors and characters from Russian folklore, including the witch Baba Yaga, while some brought their dogs along for the ride.

Live bands and cheerleaders performed on the bridges above as boards drifted past. One couple said their mermaid costume began with the tail and grew from there. Participants described the event as a way to bring people together, with one saying such gatherings strengthen families and friendships.