Today, on May 9, Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of the great patriotic battle. According to a survey by VTSiom, 61 percent of Russians consider this holiday as the most important among the states. Lenta.ru said which events were planned on May 9, 2025 and the traditions that the Russians observed on this day.
Date of vacation
The victory day in Russia is a public holiday dedicated to the victory in the great patriotic battle. On this day, the country honored the memory of the dead and expressed gratitude to the veterans.
May 9, 2025 The 80th anniversary of the victory in the great patriotic battle
The great patriotic war began on June 22, 1941 and lasted for nearly 4 years. In 1944, the Soviet army reached the state border of the Soviet Union, and in April 1945, Berlin. By May 2, the German capital was stormed by the German army. The unconditional surrender of Germany was signed on the evening of May 8 in Moscow, due to the time difference at that time, No. 9 happened.
When they celebrate the victory day in different countries around the world on May 9 – the victory day in the great patriotic war: Russia; Bethlehut people; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyzstan; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Uzbekistan; Azerbaijan; Armenia; Georgia. September 2 – the end of World War II Celebrating: United States; China; Vietnam; Chosen. May 8 – German surrender day, as the victory day was held: in most countries Western and Central Europe; in England; In Israel.
History history
The victory day was founded by the decree of the Soviet President of the Soviet Union on May 8, 1945 to honor the victory against Nazi Germany.
Historians distinguish three stages in the history of the celebration.
(1945-1965
Shortly after the war, from 1945 to 1947, May 9 was a day off, but then Joseph Stalin decided to make the workers' day again. She remained until 1965.
According to Konstantin Zalessky historian, Stalin canceled the weekend to change the focus of the population to restore the country destroyed after the war. Instead of expanding the victory, he encouraged to build an economy and develop education. Until 1965, the government did not hold large -scale events to honor the victory day, but held solemn meetings, published documents in the press and launched fireworks in heroic cities.
Soviet heroes to remember the folklore of cities were awarded the title of “Hero City”. For example, Leningrad, Stalingrad, Sevastopol and Odessa, the Hero City title was awarded before the victory, May 1, 1945. After that, this title received: Kyiv (1961); Moscow and Brest (1965); Kerch and Novorossiysk (1973); Minsk (1974); Tula (1976); Murmansk and Smolensk (1985).
There was no familiar parade on May 9 in the first years. The first person was held on the Red Square in Moscow in 1945, the next parade took place in the 1960s.
Gradually, the experiences of war and hunger after leaving the mass consciousness, leaving only the subconscious fear of a new disaster. Veterans and witnesses of the war have died, and the memories of difficult challenges have gradually been removed.
1965 – 1990
The holiday of the great great victory was formed in the Brozhnev period. Later, the victory day was held by the survivors after the terrible war, and the whole generation grew up in peacetime.
It was under Leonid Brozhnev throughout the country, they began to erect relics and obelisks, to plant trees. To honor the 20th anniversary of the victory on May 9, 1965, it was announced on the weekend. After that, they founded a memorable medal, given more than 16 million people.
The second victory parade on Red Square in Moscow took place on May 9, 1965
The younger generation has recognized the war through political broadcasting programs and radio, films and books. The basis of the mass memory of the great patriotic war in those years was formed by literature, first of all, the works of former military reporter: Alexander TVardovsky, Konstantin Simonov, Musa Jalil, Lev Ozerov. A significant contribution to the formation of cultural memories was made by cinema: Soviet films about the war were filmed both during fighting and during post -production.
In 1965, the Soviet Union launched The Grave of A Unknown Soldier. In October 1967, the construction of Mamaev Kurgan in Volgograd ended. Therefore, gradually the victory day has become a popular holiday.
1990 – 2025
Immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union, in the first half of the 90s, the victory day was not especially celebrated. But after a few years, the celebration of the victory day has returned to the old scale. Along with traditional rituals and parades on this day, the State events have been held: Flash Mob, competitions, sports competitions, patriotic conversations for young people. In all Russian cities, stocks dedicated to the memories of international warriors and veterans are opening.
In 1995, the first parade on the Red Square was the first time after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and since 1996, it has become every year.
Since the early 2000s, the new celebration tradition on May 9 has originated from Russia.
Tradition on May 9 in Russia
Promotion “St. George Ribbon”
One of the main symbols of victory is Ribbon St. George. She was founded by Catherine II in 1769 during the Russo-Turkish war. It is used to encourage loyalty, courage and caution for the benefit of the Russian empire. According to the traditional explanation of the color of the St. tape. George, black means smoke and orange fire.
At the same time, the battery tradition is like a ribbon on the chest on the victory day only in 2005. Action, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the victory, arising from the Internet project “Our victory”, publishing folk stories about the war. Its main goal is to preserve the memories of heroes and the price victory in new generations.
In 2006, within the framework of the Ribbon St. campaign. George, more than 4 million ribbons have been distributed in 900 Russian cities and other countries. In 2022, the law on St. George Ribbon has been approved, preserving its position as a symbol of heroism and the courage of the Fatherland defense.
According to the victory rule, developed by the Muslim Volunteer Volunteers, it should be attached to the chest by the heart, shoulders or collar, neat or tied jokes.
Do not wear tape under the elbows, pockets and belts, to fix it on animals and cars
Place wreaths
At the winning party, usually the wreath at the tombs of the defense of the Fatherland, the monuments dedicated to the great patriotic war and the stars with the eternal flame.
Over the past years, a clear ritual of placing a wreath has been established in Russia – only representatives of military units can do this at the order of the Ministry of Defense.
Congratulations to the veterans
Congratulations on the victory day, often the practice to congratulate the veterans. Gratitude, as a rule, comes with red carnation. Their color is related to blood spilling in the great patriotic war, and the embodiment of patriotism, sacrifice and altruism of the Soviet people.
Why is the red clove symbol of victory? The Latin name of Dinh Huong, Dianthus, means “Zeus”. Given by Crossesuers from Tunisia, he entered the European culture as a talisman of the warriors. Even Emperor Napoleon made Carnation Red with his victory icon, affirming the order of Legion of Honor – the highest distinctive sign that was accompanied by a bright red ribbon, to suit the carved petals. In Russia, Carnation Red in history is considered the symbol of heroes and revolutionaries: its color is related to the overflow blood and the banners of the Red Army.
The actions of everyone “immortal regiment”
In 2007, the night before the victory day, Chairman of the Veterans' Council Tyumen Gennady Ivanov saw a dream in which everyone brought the portrait of the top soldiers. This idea was supported by Gennady's friends and acquaintances, along with him, went through the portraits of their loved ones – participants of World War II along Tyumen's main path. A year later, the number of participants increased and the action spread to other areas called “The parade of the winners”.
Modern name “Immortal Regiment” was invented in 2012. Since 2015, this action has been all Russians and since 2018-internationally.
Festival parade
Every year on May 9, at 10:00 Moscow's time, a victory parade was held on the Red Square. Military staff, practitioners are marching, military equipment and in good weather, aviation participate in the parade. The parade received the army, and the president spoke and congratulated the veterans and all the Russians.
Family tradition
The family anniversary of the victory day often includes congratulations to veterans, visiting the participants of Graves of the Dead Warfare, a party with military songs and the memory of those who have left. Parents, along with children, can often be found on this day by military memorials and at folk party in the city.
How the Area to celebrate the victory day by 2025
In Moscow
The program is close to May 9, including a parade on the Red square, the campaign of the immortal regiment, showing the movie Cran Cranes Flying in the ART recovery, a festival show in Nikulin Circus, a TSPan concert of Russian FSB at Moscow International Music.
Novgorod's Novgorod
On May 9, Victory Park will hold a big role in playing the story of victory with military reconstruction. The central foundation will be the territory at the foot of the Chkalovskaya stairs and heroic boat, where the artist of Russian Sergey Bezrukov with a program of military songs will be performed. The celebration also includes stage products in industrial businesses, concerts “Military songs near Kremlin” and events in the city parks and libraries.
In St. Petersburg
The vacation will open a military parade on the palace square with the participation of military staff and students. At noon, a memorable shot from Peter and the Paul fortress will thunder, the torches will light up on the Rostral columns. At 11:30, there will be a recovery machine. From 15:00 to 20:00, residents and guests will be able to visit the exhibition of historical equipment in Palace Square.
In addition, among the main events is the procession of the immortal regiment, a concert on the palace square and an interactive exhibition on the Manezhnaya Square, regenerating the atmosphere of Leningrad 1945.
In Sevastopol
Conducting public events in Sevastopol on May 9, 2025 will depend on the operation situation and will be decided immediately before the holiday. In previous years, the victory and Salut parade was canceled, and the act of immortal regiment took place in online format. According to preliminary data, more than 300 events planned in the city, including exhibitions, concerts, performances, sports competitions and MOB Flash.
In Volgograd
On May 9, more than 130 celebrations were planned. On May 9, the preliminary program included the victory parade on Warchers Fallen Square, the campaign of the Immortal Regiment, the air program on Volga with the participation of Zvezda and Light Laser program on Mamav Kurgan.
Also concerts, exhibitions and excellent travel. Among the features of the folk art program with the concerts of the songs and the military image area, as well as the open museums involved in the great patriotic war, including the Stalingrad Battle.