May 9 in Russia — Victory Day: history, traditions, and symbols of the people's memory The main holiday of the country unites millions of people — from parades on Red Square to the Immortal Regiment on the streets of every city 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. 27 millionkilled in the Soviet Union 1945year of the signing of the surrender 12 millionparticipants in the Immortal Regiment action yearstradition of the parade since 1945 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, airbo ... Read more