Russian Holidays

9 May is one of the most important and favorite holidays in Russia. It is dedicated to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. This is the day to congratulate veterans and remember the heroism of Soviet soldiers, many of whom had to pay for victory with their lives.

The morning of 9 May begins with a Victory Parade on Red Square in Moscow, during which through it, in dress uniform, pass soldiers and cadets, military equipment, while the “sky-borne” part of the parade is taken care of by planes and helicopters. The main participants in the parade are, of course, the veterans who solemnly pass through the square in trucks or watch the parade from the stands. The parade is always attended by the Russian President, ministers and senior military officials of the Russian Federation. Often, guests include presidents and officials of other countries. The parade shows across the country.

9 May is celebrated on a large scale in all Russian cities: there are public concerts and festivals; parks host “field kitchens”, treating anyone who wants some with military porridge; and museums open themed exhibitions. Veterans wear their medals and anyone can go and congratulate them, give them flowers, or just say thank you. Flowers and wreaths are also laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Over the last few years, Victory Day has witnessed a large-scale and very moving event called the “Immortal Regiment”. Along the main streets of the city process the descendants of the soldiers who took part in World War II, carrying large photographs of them. In this way, even those soldiers who did not live to see Victory can walk down the street in this celebratory march. The procession is imbued with respect and gratitude towards the victorious ancestors.

With each passing year, more and more people take part in the event: in 2016, the number of people taking part in the “Immortal Regiment” in Moscow reached 1.5 million. In 2015 and 2016, President of Russia Vladimir Putin took part in the “Immortal Regiment” procession with a portrait of his father, himself a war veteran.

9 May ends with a celebratory salute in all cities of Russia – this is perhaps the most large-scale Russian salute. The number of shots, as a rule, corresponds to the number of years since the year of the Great Victory. It’s best to watch proceedings either from the city’s main square (to be in the middle of it all), or from a viewing platform (to see the salute at several points in the city at the same time).