Many Russians celebrate Victory Day on May 9. On this day, TV networks broadcast World War II-inspired films, younger generations honor veterans, and the festivities culminate in a military parade at Moscow’s Red Square.
Many people attend a local military parade and watch the fireworks at night on Victory Day. The biggest parade is in Moscow’s Red Square, showcasing Russia’s military forces. Most veterans wear their medals as they head to the parade or an event organized by a local veteran organization.
Another tradition is to give flowers, usually red carnations, to veterans in the street and to lay wreaths at the war memorial sites. Neighborhood schools may host a program prepared by the students, featuring wartime songs and poetry.
At home, families gather around a festive table to honor surviving witnesses of World War II and remember those who passed away. They may also watch a favorite Soviet film based on the events of World War II, which is also known as the Great Patriotic War. These films are repeated each year but the audience seems to never grow tired of them.
An Il-78 Midas air force tanker and Su-34 bombers fly in formation during the Victory Day parade above Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2015.
A Russian BUK-M2/SA-17 Grizzly medium-range battlefield surface-to-air missile system drives during the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2015.
A World War Two veteran reacts during the celebrations for the Victory Day at the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2015. Russia marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe on Saturday with a military parade, showcasing new military hardware at a time when relations with the West have hit lows not seen since the Cold War.
Belarussian soldiers march during the Victory Day parade in Minsk May 9, 2015. Belarus marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe on Saturday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (background centre R), Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev (background centre L), heads of foreign delegations and honorary guests watch soldiers during a wreath laying ceremony at the Unknown Soldier Tomb on the Victory Day in central Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2015.
People take part in celebrations to mark Victory Day, at the Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park in Berlin, Germany, on May 9, 2015.
Russian female cadets march during the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2015.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (C), delegation heads and honorary guests pose for a picture in the Alexander Garden on the Victory Day in central Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2015.
In this handout photograph released by the Indian Presidential Palace on May 9, 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at the Kremlin in Moscow.
Russian servicemen in historical Red Army uniforms march during the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2015.
Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2015.
Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2015.
Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2015.
Russian Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot ground-attack planes fly in formation over the Red Square during the Victory Day parade in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2015.
Russian T-14 tank with the Armata Universal Combat Platform drives during the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2015.
Soldiers of the National Guard of Kyrgyzstan march during the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2015.
SU-34, SU-27 and MIG-29 military jets fly in formation during the Victory Day parade above Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2015.
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