Supporters of former Communist dictator Josef Stalin laid flowers on his grave in Red Square, Moscow, on Tuesday to mark the 131st anniversary of his birth.
About 500 elderly citizens sang Soviet military marches and waved Stalin protraits and banners.
They cheered as speakers denounced reminders issued by the Kremlin of the oppression and violence that marked Stalin's rule.
"Again we reaffirmed that Stalin's era was the most productive, victorious and unique in the history of our state," said Communist party leader Gennady Zyuganov.
President Dmitry Medvedev is expected to launch a new "de-Stalinisation" drive in January against the Soviet leader's lingering cult status.
An education campaign is to be held on the political purges in which millions died under his orders, forced collectivisation and the Gulag labour camps.
Stalin ruled for almost 30 years. He led Russia to the status of a great power and defeated Germany in World War II. He died in 1953.
Stalin was voted Russia's third most popular historical figure in a 2008 nationwide poll.
