As the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War approaches, the city of Samara is gearing up for a series of commemorative events. However, not all is well in the preparations, as residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of the flags displayed around the city for the occasion. Reports indicate that many flags on Pobeda and Avrora streets are dirty and tattered, with some even displayed incorrectly, stirring outrage among citizens.
According to the Telegram channel "Samara No. 1," the flags are marred by stains and dirt, suggesting a long period without proper maintenance. The improper placement of the Victory Banner, a significant symbol of the holiday, has particularly incensed local residents. In contrast, preparations in the neighboring region of Bashkiria are progressing smoothly, with officials there actively organizing events to honor the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
Bashkiria's celebrations will kick off on May 9, 2025, with a series of events planned in Ufa, including the traditional 'Immortal Regiment' procession. The day will begin with a ceremony laying flowers at the monument to Hero of Russia, General Major Minigali Shaymuratov, located on Sovetskaya Square, followed by a tribute at the Eternal Flame in the Victory Park memorial complex.
The celebrations in Ufa will feature a parade showcasing military personnel and equipment, alongside the 'Immortal Regiment' event, which honors the memory of those who fought in the war. The head of the republic, Radiy Khabirov, is personally overseeing the preparations, ensuring that the events are conducted with the utmost respect and organization.
The program for the day in Ufa is meticulously planned, starting with the gathering of participants for the 'Immortal Regiment' from 10:00 to 11:00. This will be followed by a public 'Minute of Silence' from 11:00 to 11:12, and a procession along Oktyabrya Avenue from 11:12 to 13:00. The climax of the day will include laying flowers at the monument and the Eternal Flame, a military parade featuring combat vehicles, and the performance of the beloved song "Katyusha" in both Russian and Bashkir.
In addition to the public events, residents of Bashkortostan will have the opportunity to visit the Republican Museum of Military Glory for free as part of the Victory Day campaign. From May 8 to May 9, the museum will host thematic exhibitions dedicated to the valor of the Soviet people during the war. Visitors will be able to explore the main exhibition titled 'Bashkortostan during the years of the Great Patriotic War,' a special exhibition 'That Victory Day' marking the 80th anniversary of the historical event, and the exhibition 'Living Voices of Victory,' which features authentic front-line letters. A photo exhibition titled 'Portraits of Soldiers' will also showcase images of participants in military operations.
This initiative aims to preserve the memory of the heroic past and allows residents and guests of Ufa to connect with history. Organizers emphasize the importance of conveying historical truths to younger generations, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are not forgotten.
Meanwhile, in Samara, the city is implementing traffic and parking restrictions to facilitate the upcoming events. Starting from May 1, 2025, various streets in the historical center will see temporary closures. For instance, from 6:00 to 7:59 on May 1, and from 15:31 on May 1 to 23:59 on May 9, traffic will be limited on Chapaevskaya Street from Krasnoarmeyskaya to Vilonovskaya, as well as on Shostakovich Street from Chapaevskaya to Frunze.
Further restrictions will be in place from May 2 to May 9, with specific hours designated for closures on Molodogvardeyskaya Street and other key roads. On May 8, from 20:00 until 15:00 on May 9, additional streets will be closed to accommodate the celebrations. The authorities have requested that residents plan their travels in advance to avoid inconveniences.
These traffic restrictions will not affect emergency vehicles, including police, ambulances, and fire services, nor will they apply to vehicles with special permits issued by the local police. Detailed information regarding the traffic patterns and public transport adjustments can be found on the Samara administration's website.
As Samara prepares to honor the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War, the juxtaposition of the city's neglect of its flags against Bashkiria's well-organized celebrations highlights the varied approaches to commemorating this significant historical event. While the community in Samara is calling for better care of its symbols of remembrance, the spirit of celebration and remembrance in Bashkiria showcases a commitment to honoring the past with dignity and respect.
