May 9 — Victory Day: history and traditions of the great holiday
Victory Day is one of the most important holidays in the history of our country. This significant date is dedicated to the heroic deeds of Soviet soldiers who fought with dignity against the Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War from June 1941 to May 1945. Every year in Russia, the memory of fallen soldiers and civilians is honored, as well as veterans of the Second World War. Read about the history and traditions of the May 9 holiday in the Izvestia article.
Victory Day: the history of the great holiday on May 9th
The Great Patriotic War began on the territory of the USSR on the morning of June 22, 1941, after the sudden invasion of Nazi troops across the country's border. Millions of Soviet citizens of all ages voluntarily went to the front, where, risking their lives, they fought off enemy attacks.
The war lasted almost four years. In January 1945, the Soviet army launched an offensive against Berlin. As a result of the fighting, at 00:43 Moscow time on May 9, the commanders-in-chief signed the act of unconditional surrender of Germany, which served as the end of World War II and the Great Patriotic War. In Europe, Victory Day is celebrated on May 8 due to the time difference.
On the morning of May 9, 1945, the victory of the Soviet troops and the establishment of Victory Day by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR were announced throughout the Soviet Union. On the same day, a solemn fireworks display was held in the evening, and a festive parade was organized on June 24, 1945. For the first three years, May 9 was a day off in the calendar, but in 1948 the authorities abolished this rule.
The celebration of Victory Day at the state level resumed on the twentieth anniversary of the end of the war — in 1965. Solemn parades and fireworks were held in all the hero cities, WWII veterans shared their memories with schoolchildren and employees of enterprises.
Traditions of Victory Day celebrations in Russia
Every year, at least one day off is set at the state level in honor of Victory Day. In 2025, Russians will have a vacation from May 8 to 11, along with Saturday and Sunday, the holidays will take four days.
One of the main traditions on Victory Day is considered to be the demonstration of the red banner, similar to the one that was erected by Soviet soldiers over the Reichstag in 1945. Today, the original flag is kept in the Museum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
Every year, a Victory Day parade is held in Moscow on Red Square with the participation of more than 10,000 military personnel and about 100 units of military land and aviation equipment. Similar events are organized in other hero cities. In particular, a special festive program awaits residents of St. Petersburg, a city that survived the blockade.
During the holiday, actions, processions and concerts with invited artists are held. Russians lay flowers at the monuments of fallen heroes. Traditionally, fireworks with colorful fireworks are held in the evening.
One of the symbols of Victory Day is the St. George ribbon, a sign of courage, bravery and heroism. In early May, volunteers distribute attributes to city residents in public places for free, and citizens use a ribbon as an item of clothing.
Also in recent years, the Immortal Regiment campaign has become a tradition of Victory Day. The participants of the march pass through the central streets of the city, carrying in their hands photographs of their ancestors who went through the war — army veterans, residents of besieged Leningrad, war children and many others.
The main purpose of Victory Day is not to have fun and festivities. The essence of the holiday is that the modern generation should not forget about the sacrifices that were given for freedom and a peaceful sky above their heads.
How will we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in 2025
The celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War will be held throughout Russia. The significant date will be celebrated on a special scale in Moscow — more than 170 events are planned for the celebration. In particular, the capital will host the traditional actions "Candle of Memory", "Garden of Memory", "St. George Ribbon" and "Immortal Regiment".
In addition, as part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, exhibitions dedicated to the exploits of Soviet soldiers in the Great Patriotic War will be presented at the Rosphoto Museum and Exhibition Center, the Moscow Kremlin, Kulikovo Field museums and other exhibition venues.
Thematic events will also be held in Moscow theaters, libraries and concert halls.
Earlier, Izvestia told how to decorate a window for the Victory Windows campaign.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
