On May 9, 2025, Arkhangelsk and other cities in the Pomorye region are celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War with a series of commemorative events. The day promises to be filled with parades, exhibitions, and ceremonies that honor the sacrifices made during the war.
The Victory Parade is set to take place from 10:00 to 11:00 on Peace Square, featuring several military units from the Ministry of Defense of Russia, local police, and emergency services. Students from local educational institutions, including the Northern Arctic Federal University and the Arctic Maritime Institute, will also participate. According to local sources, two helicopters from the 2nd Arkhangelsk Aviation Squadron will fly over the celebrations, carrying the flags of Russia and the Arkhangelsk Region.
As the parade unfolds, spectators will have access to four entrances to Peace Square, where security checks will be in place. Following the parade, military vehicles from the World War II era, including T-34 tanks and Soviet motorcycles, will traverse the city at 11:00, starting from the Gostiny Dvor and culminating near the Arkhangelsk Drama Theater.
After the military procession, an exhibition of military retro equipment will be held on Karl Liebknecht Street, open to the public from 13:00 to 20:30. This exhibition features various historical vehicles and equipment, allowing residents and visitors to appreciate the military history of the region.
At noon, the Immortal Regiment procession will commence from Krasnaya Pristan, with participants gathering from 10:00. This event, which involves carrying portraits of fallen soldiers, is expected to draw significant crowds as it winds along the embankment towards the Eternal Flame. Four checkpoints will be in place for participants, ensuring a smooth flow of the procession.
The day will also feature a concert in honor of Victory Day, running from 15:00 to 22:00 at the Arkhangelsk Drama Theater. Local officials have promised a festive program, including performances by various artists and cultural groups. As part of the celebrations, a minute of silence is scheduled for 18:00 to honor those who lost their lives during the war.
Fireworks will cap off the day’s events, starting at 22:00 from a barge on Krasnaya Pristan. The display will last for ten minutes, featuring 690 volleys, marking a grand finale to the day’s festivities.
In addition to these events, six points of sale for flowers will be opened along the embankment, allowing attendees to purchase flowers to lay at memorials or gift to veterans. Free St. George ribbons will also be distributed at various locations, including the meeting points for the Immortal Regiment procession.
For those looking to partake in a traditional meal, soldier's porridge will be served at several locations, including Peace Square and the Northern Dvina embankment, with 10,000 portions prepared for the occasion. This annual tradition has become a staple of the Victory Day celebrations in the region.
Similar festivities are expected to take place in Severodvinsk and Novodvinsk, where local events are planned to honor the day. In Severodvinsk, the main activities will be centered around Victory Square, starting with the "Living Pictures" project at 11:00, showcasing performances by local children and artists.
Meanwhile, in Novodvinsk, the celebrations will include a variety of events, such as the All-Russian action "Watch of Memory" and a city-wide Minute of Silence at 19:00. The local parks will host exhibitions, concerts, and culinary offerings, ensuring that the spirit of the day is felt throughout the community.
As cities across Russia commemorate this significant anniversary, the events in Arkhangelsk and its neighboring towns reflect a deep respect and remembrance for those who fought and sacrificed during the Great Patriotic War. The celebrations not only honor the past but also foster a sense of community and national pride among the residents.
In Voronezh, the atmosphere is similarly festive, with residents taking to the streets to participate in parades and concerts. The city has experienced disruptions to mobile internet services due to security measures, but this has not dampened the spirits of those celebrating. Many have gathered to witness the parade, which features military displays and performances.
Local authorities have implemented security measures, including metal detectors at entry points to the closed streets, ensuring a safe environment for all attendees. As Voronezh residents enjoy the festivities, they are reminded of the significance of this day and the collective memory of the war.
In Ekaterinburg, the celebrations have been ongoing for several days, culminating in a grand parade and various cultural events. Mayor Alexey Orlov participated in the Immortal Regiment procession, emphasizing the importance of remembering those lost in the war. The city's main park is hosting a separate program, with activities designed to engage the community and honor the legacy of the Great Patriotic War.
As the day progresses, the cities of Arkhangelsk, Voronezh, and Ekaterinburg exemplify the spirit of remembrance and celebration, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are honored and that the legacy of the Great Patriotic War continues to resonate with future generations.
