On May 9, 2025, Arkhangelsk held a vibrant celebration to mark Victory Day, featuring a grand fireworks display and a poignant patriotic event called the "River of Memory." The festivities drew large crowds, with both events symbolizing the community's remembrance of the sacrifices made during World War II.
The fireworks display, which lasted for ten minutes, was a dazzling spectacle that included 690 volleys. According to Arkhangelsk's mayor, Dmitry Morev, the pyrotechnics utilized devices ranging from 4 to 8 calibers, with heights reaching between 120 to 330 meters. The most impressive fireworks were caliber 8, showcasing stunning red, yellow, and silver "peonies," along with crackling "chrysanthemums" and shimmering golden "palms." To ensure safety, attendees at Krasnaya Pristan were screened through metal detectors.
Simultaneously, the "River of Memory" event gathered approximately 1,500 participants, who came together to honor the memory of those who fought in the Great Patriotic War. A total of 1,418 structures were installed along the embankment, each symbolizing a day of the war from June 22, 1941, to May 9, 1945. Governor Alexander Tsybulsky participated in the ceremony, lighting a candle at the date of August 23, 1943, commemorating the Soviet army's victory at the Battle of Kursk.
Tsybulsky emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during the war, stating, "The symbolism of this event is to remind people of each day of that terrible, bloody war and the price paid by the Soviet Union, its soldiers, and its citizens for this Victory." He noted the significant presence of young people at the event, underscoring the need to ensure that they never forget the cost of peace and the opportunities they have today.
The "River of Memory" illuminated the embankment from the stele marking the "400 years of foundation of Arkhangelsk" to the Dobrolyubov Library. The event was further enhanced by the presence of the icebreaker "Captain Chadaev," which displayed a glowing 10-meter red star, a symbol of the Red Army. Accompanying it were three cutters adorned with red banners, while the tugboat "Enthusiast" closed the procession, which stretched approximately 1.2 kilometers.
Ekaterina Prokopyeva, the chairwoman of the regional assembly, also participated in the event, reflecting on the significance of remembering the contributions of those who fought for their country. "Today we remember everyone who contributed to the common cause of Victory. We see many children here, which means that the memory of our heroes' feats will live on. This is the most important thing. This is why such a large-scale event is held," she remarked.
Dmitry Zhevaga, an activist with the Movement of the First, highlighted the importance of youth participation in such patriotic activities. "This is respect and a tribute to our grandfathers and great-grandfathers who fought for us in the Great Patriotic War, as well as a sign of pride for today's soldiers participating in the special military operation. We must honor and remember their feats," he stated.
Among the veterans of the special military operation who lit candles during the "River of Memory" was Yaroslav, an Arkhangelsk resident who recently returned from the front. He noted that in light of current military actions, such patriotic events hold special significance. "The event underscores that what our ancestors did and what we are doing now and will continue to do for our Motherland matters to people. We need more such events to remember all veterans—both from the Great Patriotic War and from today's actions. On behalf of the veterans of the special military operation, I express gratitude to the government and the head of the region for their concern," he said.
The "River of Memory" project was realized with the support of Governor Alexander Tsybulsky and the Russian Military Historical Society. According to the project's creator, Denis Zheleznikov, the community showed great interest in the patriotic action, with applications from residents exceeding the number of days that the Great Patriotic War lasted. "We aimed to unite people of all ages and statuses, to show how significant 1,418 days of war is. It was meant to create a river of lights—a river of people. It is symbolic that we managed to hold such an event in the year of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Arkhangelsk, a city of military glory," he explained.
The "River of Memory" concluded with a minute of silence and the laying of flowers at the Victory Monument, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the war. This year's events not only celebrated the past but also reinforced the community's commitment to remembering and honoring its heroes.
