Bubble Baba Challenge: Russian authorities shut down an eccentric race

A rather unusual tradition has been practised in Russia for over 20 years. Every June, the Bubble Baba Challenge is organized. Participants bring an inflatable sex doll and race with it in a river. However, this year's event will not take place. The Russian authorities firmly say "no."

Bubble Baba Challenge is an annual event held in the Vuoksi River in Russia. During the race, participants use inflatable sex dolls to stay afloat. The first edition took place in 2003. In 2011, the race saw as many as 800 participants. Both men and women can participate, but they must be at least 16 years old and pass a mandatory alcohol test.

Unfortunately, not every year have the Russian authorities allowed the event to be held. In 2012, they banned the float due to "dangerously high water levels" caused by ongoing repairs. The aim was to repair roads and railway bridges downstream. The organizers of the unusual float questioned the authorities' decision, claiming that the ban was implemented merely due to a nationwide suppression of mass gatherings.

A similar situation is occurring this year. The Russian authorities are critical of the event's organization. The event's creator, Dmitry Bulavinov, revealed that he submitted a request to hold the event early this spring. Still, the response from the Interior Ministry delegation in the Priozersky District in Leningrad Oblast was negative.

The authorities do not support this unusual activity. The letter states that organizing such an event receives significant negative public feedback, and thus, the Interior Ministry strongly recommends not holding it. In a comment to a local portal, the event's initiator noted that although a strong recommendation does not mean an outright ban, organizing the event with such an attitude from the authorities would be at least imprudent.