May 9 in Russia — Victory Day: history, traditions, and symbols of the people's memory

For Russia, May 9 is not just a date on the calendar. It is the main state holiday that unites all generations. On this day, the country remembers that the victory in the Great Patriotic War was achieved at the cost of millions of lives — the official losses of the Soviet Union were 27 million people. Victory Day connects the pain of loss and pride for the bravery of ancestors, the festive solemnity and the quiet family memory.

Historical Canon: The Signing of the Surrender and the First Victory Parade

On May 8, 1945, at 22:43 Central European Time, the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Germany was signed in the Berlin suburb of Karlshorst. It was already May 9 in Moscow. This day became the date of the main triumph. That same evening, Stalin signed a decree of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on the celebration of Victory Day. The climax was the first Victory Parade on Red Square on June 24, 1945. Then, composite regiments of fronts passed over the cobblestones, and at the end, two hundred soldiers threw flags of defeated Nazi divisions to the foot of the Mausoleum.

After this, parades became an integral tradition. From 1945 to 2025, the main military ceremonies were held dozens of times, and they reached their peak in jubilee dates — for example, in the year of the 80th anniversary of Victory, a record concentration of military equipment and foreign delegations was expected.

Parade on Red Square and in Russian Cities

The symbol of May 9 is still the military parade. The central action takes place on Red Square, where formations of the Ground Forces, VKS, Navy, airborne troops, and rocket formations pass under the command of the defense minister. Anti-aircraft units demonstrate the latest systems, and the parade ends with the flight of aerobatic groups "Russian Knights" and "Sparrows." In the 1980s and 1990s, parades were held rarely, but since 1995, they have become regular. Today, parades are organized in all cities of the country where military units are stationed — from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. In St. Petersburg, the parade takes place on Palace Square, and a separate solemn march is held here in honor of the blockade survivors.

The traditional procession on May 9 includes not only military equipment. In recent years, the Immortal Regiment action has been invited to the parade, as well as junior military cadets, cadets, military bands, and in the evening, the sky is illuminated by a festive fireworks display — batteries give salutes in many cities, ending the day of Victory.

Minute of Silence and Flower-Laying

At exactly noon Moscow time, Russia comes to a standstill. A minute of silence is declared — everyone pays tribute to the fallen soldiers and civilians destroyed during the occupation. Authorities and ordinary citizens lay flowers at memorials. The main place of worship is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden near the Kremlin Wall. The eternal flame lit here has become a symbol of unquenchable memory.

The veterans, who are becoming fewer every year, are surrounded by special attention: schoolchildren give them carnations, and volunteers help them get to the places of celebration. In major cities, the center is temporarily closed on May 9, and platforms "Soldier's Porridge" are created, where everyone can try buckwheat with stew from a field kitchen.

The Immortal Regiment: A People's Action Becoming National

The most touching tradition of the last two decades is the Immortal Regiment. In 2026, this march, which originated as a grassroots initiative in Tomsk, became a national phenomenon. Millions of people go out into the streets with portraits of their relatives — frontline soldiers, partisans, war-time workers, blockade survivors. The action aims to show that the war touched every family, and the name of each hero is not forgotten. In 2025, over 12 million people participated in the marches across Russia. In many regions, the columns of the Immortal Regiment lead parades or follow immediately after the solemn march.

Georgievsky Ribbon and Other Symbols

It is impossible to imagine May 9 without the Georgievsky ribbon — a two-color orange-black symbol that is worn on the chest, bags, or attached to car antennas. The action began in 2005 and established the ribbon as a sign of respect for the war victors. In addition to ribbons, banners with the words "Thank you, grandpa for the Victory!" are hung on the streets, and schoolchildren prepare theatrical performances about turning-point battles. In 2026, interactive exhibitions of military equipment were organized in many parks across the country, where everyone can sit behind the controls of the legendary "half-ton" or hold models of Mosin rifles.

Regional Features and Memory of the Blockade

Victory Day is celebrated in all republics and regions, but in some places, there are their own accents. In Volgograd (Stalingrad), May 9 is intertwined with the honoring of the defenders of the city on the Volga; concerts are held on Mamayev Kurgan. In St. Petersburg, in addition to the Separate Day of the Complete Liberation of Leningrad from the Blockade (January 27), May 9 is also a sacred date: blockade survivors and their descendants gather at the Piskaryovskoye Memorial. In the Far East, parade formations sometimes take on ships of the Pacific Fleet.

On a private level, May 9 remains a home holiday. Families set the tables, wartime songs are played — "Victory Day" by Lev Leshchenko, "Katyusha," "Sacred War." Children draw cards with red carnations, and in the evening, the whole country watches the festive fireworks display, which dissolves colorful flashes in the sky.

May 9 for Russia is a day when the state and society unite in a single surge. Regardless of political circumstances, Victory Day remains immutable. It reminds us of the price of peace, the heroism shown by the Soviet people, and the debt we owe to the fallen. This holiday does not fade with time — on the contrary, every year it gains new depth and incorporates more and more family stories.