As May 7, 2025, marks the last working day of a short week in Russia, citizens are gearing up for a long weekend in celebration of Victory Day. The upcoming holidays will see Russians resting from May 8 to May 11, with the latter two days falling on traditional weekends. This year, the schedule for public transport in the Belgorod agglomeration will only change on the first two days of the holiday weekend, specifically on Thursday and Friday, May 8 and 9, when services will run less frequently, adhering to a Sunday schedule.
Preparations for the Victory Day celebrations are also underway in Moscow, where road closures and internet restrictions are set to take effect from May 7 to May 9. According to the Moscow Department of Transport, movement and parking for taxis, car sharing, electric scooters, and bicycles will be partially restricted in the city center on these dates. Specifically, road closures will be enforced on Tverskaya Street, parts of the Garden Ring, and Novy Arbat from 22:00 on May 6 until 14:00 on May 7, and again from 22:00 on May 8 until 14:00 on May 9.
In addition to road closures, all cafes and shops along the parade route in the Central Administrative District will also be closed on May 7 and 9. Mobile operators have warned that there will be interruptions in mobile internet and communications during this period, which may impact services such as taxi applications, banking, and food delivery. The Russian Unified System for Warning and Liquidation of Emergencies (RSChS) stated, "Possible internet access restrictions will be implemented to ensure the safety of the ongoing festive events." This means that from May 7 to 9, users may face difficulties with account transfers, contactless payments, and receiving funds via bank cards at terminals.
Taxi prices surged on May 7 due to a shortage of available vehicles, exacerbated by the internet restrictions. Marketplaces have advised residents and visitors to connect to Wi-Fi and take screenshots of QR codes for order pickups during mobile internet outages, or to visit pick-up points on different days. Similar issues are anticipated in other regions where significant Victory Day events are planned, particularly in the Moscow region.
In St. Petersburg, some commercial activities will also be suspended on May 9, with seven shopping points halting operations from 10:00 to 16:00. These include major retail centers such as the Gallery shopping mall and the Nevsky Center. The changes in the holiday schedule reflect a broader reform in how May holidays are celebrated in Russia.
In 2025, authorities have introduced a new format for the May holidays, moving away from a single extended holiday week to two separate periods of rest. The first block of holidays, from May 1 to 4, celebrates Spring and Labor Day, offering four consecutive days for short trips, outdoor picnics, and participation in city events. The second block, from May 8 to 11, is dedicated to Victory Day, allowing for commemorative events such as parades and ceremonies at war memorials.
This reform aims to strike a balance between work and leisure, preventing the "fragmentation" of holidays. The total number of days off in May will remain unchanged at eight, but the new structure is designed to foster organized and memorable celebrations.
As part of this initiative, working hours will be reduced by one hour on certain days, including April 30 and May 7, leading up to the holidays. The rationale behind these changes includes promoting event tourism and enhancing labor productivity by avoiding a decline in work activity following extended breaks.
While some citizens may find the new format less accommodating for long trips abroad during the May holidays, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation has emphasized that the new approach will lead to a more structured and enjoyable holiday experience.
In anticipation of the long weekend, many Russians are looking forward to the events planned for Victory Day, reflecting on the significance of the holiday while navigating the logistical challenges posed by road closures and internet restrictions. As the celebrations draw near, the spirit of remembrance and gratitude for those who fought in the Great Patriotic War remains a central theme for the nation.
