‘Victory Spring’ Comes to Moscow
This year, Russia is celebrating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. To commemorate this event, Moscow will host performances, exhibitions, and commemorative events.
What is the Great Patriotic War?
It is a term used in Russian that refers to the war between the USSR and Nazi Germany (June 22, 1941–May 9, 1945) as part of World War II (September 1, 1939–September 2, 1945).
Symbols of the Great Patriotic War
The St George Ribbon
First introduced during the reign of Empress Catherine II, the black and yellow (or orange) ribbon was attached to the Order of St George. Over the years, the St George Ribbon has evolved to symbolise the bravery and wisdom of Russian and Soviet fighters, and later, Victory Day.
The Red Victory Banner
After intense battles, the flag of the 150th Rifle Division of the Soviet Red Army was raised over the Reichstag. This event is internationally recognised as a symbol of Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
The Eternal Flame
A flame that burns continuously to symbolise the nation’s remembrance of fallen heroes. Eternal flames can be seen in the Alexander Garden and at Victory Park, as well as in other cities and towns all over the country.
Red Carnation
Red carnations are given to veterans and laid at monuments and eternal flames. The colour red represents the courage and resilience of those who fought for the homeland.
The Immortal Regiment
This is a public march held on May 9 in which participants carry photos of relatives who fought in the Great Patriotic War or otherwise contributed away from the front. First held in Russia in 2012, it later spread internationally. The event aims to preserve family memories of the war generation.
This year’s 80th anniversary of victory will be celebrated with the ‘Moscow Victory Spring’ festival (‘Moskovskaya vesna Pobedy’). From May 1 to 11, over 360 festive events, including music performances, quests, and film screenings, will take place across festival venues, parks, VDNH, cultural centres, and other public spaces. The main festival squares are Revolution Square and Tverskaya Square. As part of the St George Ribbon campaign, volunteers will hand out ribbons on central streets, near train stations, and in Zaryadye Park.
Embankments, parks, roads, bridges, and the Moscow Metro (which played an important role during the war as a shelter) will be adorned with flags, St George ribbons, and themed displays.
VDNH, as always, welcomes visitors with a rich programme of activities. On May 6, a patriotic event called ‘Victory Waltz’ will be held in front of the main arch, with 400 Moscow students performing a choreographed piece to the song ‘May Waltz’ (‘Maysky Vals’). Free exhibitions such as ‘He Captured the Harsh Life of War’ will also be open during the May holidays at the Cinema Museum (Muzey Kino).
Details about all events related to Victory Day are available on the VDNH website (in Russian).
How to spend May 9?
May 9 marks Victory Day.
The day’s main event is the Victory Parade on Red Square, which starts at 10 am. Tickets to attend the parade are not sold and are only available by invitation—for veterans, their families, state and military officials, and journalists. However, the parade will be broadcast live on federal TV channels. During rehearsals and on May 9, you can walk through central Moscow and see the military columns heading to Red Square. There will also be aerial flyovers. The traditional Victory Day fireworks will begin in the evening at 10 pm.
A variety of celebrations on this day will be open to the public free of cost.
Victory Day on Poklonnaya Hill
A large festive programme will unfold on the main alley, featuring a symphonic concert and performances dedicated to the heroism of the Great Patriotic War.
Kolomenskoye and Tsaritsyno Parks
Both Kolomenskoye and Tsaritsyno Parks will host a broadcast of the Victory Parade from Red Square, followed by concerts featuring music dedicated to war heroes.
VDNH
The Green Theatre will host a themed concert programme featuring professional musical and theatre groups.
At 7 pm a nationwide minute of silence will take place.
At 9:55 pm a historical radio broadcast of the Soviet victory announcement by Yuri Levitan will be aired over VDNH’s radio.
New Tretyakov Gallery
An engaging exhibition titled ‘1,418 Days: To the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory’ is on display at the New Tretyakov Gallery from April 22 to November 9, and visitors can attend free of charge on May 9. A free ticket must be obtained on their website before visiting.
Entry will also be free on May 17, June 22, and September 9. On all other days, standard tickets cost 400 rubles (250 rubles for students)
More events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory Day can be found on the official website of the Moscow Mayor and Moscow Government (in Russian).