As Russia approaches the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, cities across the country are gearing up for a series of commemorative events. Sochi, Moscow, and St. Petersburg are set to host a variety of exhibitions, parades, and cultural activities that reflect on this significant historical milestone.
In Sochi, an exhibition titled "Reserved Echo of War" will open to the public, showcasing the work of the Caucasian Reserve during the years 1942-1943. This exhibition will feature artifacts collected from the reserve's archives, rare publications, and personal recollections from staff members who witnessed the events of the war. "The exhibition will tell about the work of the Caucasian Reserve during 1942-1943," organizers stated.
One of the highlights of the exhibition will be items unearthed during inspections and fieldwork, including a well-preserved Mosin rifle bayonet and a badge of the mountain guide "Edelweiss." These artifacts serve as poignant reminders of the battles fought in the region over 80 years ago. The exhibition will open on April 29, 2025, and will run until May 15, 2025, at the Laura Ecological Information Center, where admission is free.
Before the exhibition opens, a thematic meeting will be held featuring Oleg Kikilo, a local historian and expert on the history of Krasnaya Polyana. Kikilo will deliver a lecture titled "Krasnaya Polyana during the Great Patriotic War," providing deeper insights into the area's wartime history. This event is scheduled for April 29 at 2:00 PM.
Meanwhile, Moscow is also preparing for a range of events, with the traditional parade on Red Square being a centerpiece of the celebrations. This year’s parade will feature military displays and a festive salute, along with various thematic exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings across the city.
Among the notable exhibitions in Moscow, the New Tretyakov Gallery will host "1418 Days. To the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory," showcasing over 200 works of art. Additionally, the Armoury Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin will present "1941–1945. Moscow. Kremlin. Saved Treasures," which will include more than 50 items evacuated during the war years.
For those interested in military history, the exhibition "Steel and Courage" will be displayed on the observation deck of Panorama360, located on the 89th floor of the Federation-Vostok tower. This exhibition will highlight the bravery and resilience of those who served during the war.
Art enthusiasts can look forward to the Boris Kustodiev exhibition at the Engineering building of the Tretyakov Gallery, opening on April 30, 2025, and the "Lived-Were" exhibition at Winzavod, which celebrates the heroes of Russian fairy tales.
Moscow's KinoPark, known for its immersive experiences, will offer excursions and reconstructions of scenes from beloved war films, while the Gorky Film Studio invites guests to a thematic tour titled "About the Living Things to Think About..." that focuses on the making of famous war movies.
Rehearsals for the grand parade are set for April 29, May 3, and May 7. The military columns will follow a route through the city, making it accessible for spectators to view the procession. The best vantage points for watching the aerial displays will be from the Sofiyskaya and Kremlevskaya embankments, along with Leningradsky Highway and near Belorussky railway station.
In St. Petersburg, the celebrations will kick off with the Ice Festival, running from May 1 to May 4, featuring three icebreakers—"Captain Nikolaev," "Mudyug," and "Captain Plakhin"—moored at the Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment. Visitors can tour the vessels for free after making a reservation through the Visit-Petersburg.ru portal.
The XXI Festival of Sand Sculptures will be held at the Peter and Paul Fortress, with this year’s theme honoring the defenders of the Fatherland and the siege of Leningrad. The festival will culminate in a celebratory program on May 9, featuring concerts, workshops, and a field kitchen.
In addition to these events, the Peterhof Museum-Reserve has launched its fountains as of April 26, and the Lower Park is open daily for visitors.
Sochi is also buzzing with activities for the May holidays. A mural titled "City-Hospital" is being created at the Sochi Institute of the RUDN University, highlighting the contributions of local doctors and nurses during the war. Starting May 1, the beaches along the main resort promenades will open, with additional beaches becoming accessible in June.
For those looking to explore the mountains, the resort "Roza Khutor" will officially open its summer season on April 29, offering skiing and snowboarding opportunities until May 11, along with scenic hikes and cable car rides.
Travelers can take advantage of a new international train service named "Dioskuria," which will run from Imereti Resort to Sukhum starting May 1, with tickets priced at just 356 rubles one way. Passengers will undergo customs and border control directly onboard.
As the nation prepares to commemorate this significant anniversary, the events planned across Sochi, Moscow, and St. Petersburg promise to honor the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War while also providing engaging activities for citizens and visitors alike.