On May 9, 2025, Russia commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, a significant milestone that resonates deeply across the nation. Kemerovo, a city in southwestern Siberia, is set to host a series of grand celebrations, reflecting the pride and remembrance associated with this important day.
The festivities in Kemerovo will kick off with a parade at 10:00 AM on Sovetov Square, where a T-34 tank, a symbol of Soviet victory, will lead the procession. Governor Ilya Seredyuk announced the tank's arrival, adding to the excitement of the day's events. Following the parade, at approximately 10:40 AM, the Immortal Regiment procession will take place, allowing participants to honor the memory of their ancestors who fought in the war.
As the day progresses, a plethora of activities are scheduled to engage the community. At 12:00 PM, the Autopolk action will commence, where vehicles will parade through the city, showcasing the spirit of celebration. From 1:00 to 2:30 PM, school theater groups will perform in front of the drama theater, followed by a concert featuring students from local cultural schools from 2:30 to 4:00 PM.
The festivities will continue with a concert by brass bands scheduled from 4:00 to 5:50 PM, culminating in a traditional theatrical performance titled "At 6 o'clock in the evening after the war" from 5:50 to 6:30 PM. In addition, various parks around the city will host special events. For instance, Victory Park will feature demonstration performances by the Federation of Automotive Sports, an exhibition of World War II weapons, and a festive concert starting at 12:00 PM.
Other parks, including Antoshka Park and Chudes Park, will host exhibitions, concerts, and even military sports games, ensuring that there are activities for everyone. The celebrations will also include a significant exhibition of military equipment and retro cars on Moscow Square, where visitors can enjoy films about the war years, mini-lectures on key events of the Great Patriotic War, and various master classes.
To ensure safety during the celebrations, traffic on many central streets will be restricted starting at 7:00 AM. Streets affected include Sovetsky Prospekt, Ordzhonikidze Street, and several others, making it essential for attendees to plan their routes in advance. The city has imposed a ban on the sale of alcohol, including beer, throughout Kuzbass on this day, aiming to maintain a respectful and family-friendly atmosphere.
As part of the commemorative events leading up to May 9, a candlelight vigil called "Candle of Memory" took place the previous evening, drawing approximately 60,500 participants across Kuzbass. In Kemerovo, attendees lit candles at the Memorial to the Liberator Soldier, forming the words "80" and "Victory" in tribute to those who served.
Among the veterans honored during the celebrations is 101-year-old Praskovya Krupskaya, who served as a nurse during the war. Recruited at the age of 19, she participated in significant battles, including the Siege of Leningrad and the liberation of Pskov and Estonia. Her resilience and dedication to saving lives exemplify the spirit of the generation that fought for victory.
In addition to Kemerovo, other regions across Russia will also host their unique celebrations. In the Penza region, festive fireworks will light up the sky, with displays scheduled in several locations starting at 8:00 PM in Serdobsk and culminating in Kuznetsk at 10:00 PM. The city of Belinsky will also join in with fireworks at 9:00 PM, while Nikolsk and Zarechny will have their displays at 10:00 PM and 8:30 PM, respectively.
Meanwhile, Volgograd will host a spectacular fireworks display at 10:00 PM on the Central Embankment, following a concert by the Turetsky Choir. The celebrations will also include a laser show at Mamaev Kurgan, with performances scheduled throughout the evening. In Barnaul, the capital of the Altai Territory, fireworks will be launched simultaneously in five districts at 10:00 PM, marking a grand celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory.
As the day unfolds, it is clear that the spirit of remembrance and celebration is alive and well across Russia. The events not only honor those who fought valiantly during the Great Patriotic War but also serve to unite communities in a shared reflection on history and gratitude for peace.
With so many events planned, the atmosphere in Kemerovo and beyond is expected to be vibrant and filled with pride. Citizens are encouraged to participate actively, whether by attending parades, concerts, or simply reflecting on the sacrifices made by previous generations. This year's 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War promises to be a memorable occasion, celebrating both the past and the enduring spirit of resilience in the face of adversity.
