The center of St. Petersburg will be closed at the end of April and the beginning of May for rehearsals for the Victory Parade, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. The city's transport committee has announced that from 00:00 on April 22, 2025, to 23:59 on April 24, 2025, stopping transport will be prohibited on several key streets. This includes Isaakievskaya Square from Admiralteysky Prospekt to Malaya Morskaya Street along Isaakievsky Sobor, Malaya Morskaya Street along Isaakievsky Sobor, the even side of Konnogvardeisky Boulevard from Pochtamtksy Pereulok to Senatskaya Ploshchad, and the even side of Yakubovich Street from Pochtamtksy Pereulok to Isaakievskaya Ploshchad.
Additionally, vehicles will not be allowed to park in these areas from 00:00 on April 30, 2025, to 12:30 on May 9, 2025. During this timeframe, stopping will also be prohibited on the embankment of the Moika River from Nevsky Prospekt to Pevchesky Most, in the passage along house number 4 and houses 6-8 on Dvortsovaya Ploshchad, and on Millionnaya Street from the embankment of the Winter Canal to Maramorny Pereulok. This is part of the preparations for the grand event commemorating the end of World War II in Europe.
Moreover, from 14:00 to 18:30 on April 30, 2025, and again on May 3, 2025, traffic will be restricted on certain sections in the center of St. Petersburg to facilitate the rehearsals. These measures are expected to cause significant disruptions, prompting residents and visitors to plan their travel accordingly.
In Tver, preparations are also underway for the Victory Parade, with night rehearsals scheduled to take place. The Tver region is gearing up to celebrate May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi forces. Traditionally, a solemn procession of troops from the Tver garrison will be held on Sovetskaya Street.
Three night rehearsals are planned, occurring on April 24, 2025, and again on May 5 and May 7, 2025. To ensure safety during these rehearsals, traffic will be closed on a section of Sovetskaya Street from Smolensky Pereulok to Tverskoy Prospekt. These closures will be in effect from 19:00 to 1:00 on the specified dates. Additionally, streets in the center of Tver will also be closed on Victory Day itself, further affecting local traffic.
As the cities prepare for these significant commemorative events, public sentiment appears mixed. In St. Petersburg, some residents have expressed frustration over the planned road closures and the potential for increased traffic congestion. Comments on social media reflect a range of opinions, with some voicing concerns about the impact of heavy military vehicles on the city's historic infrastructure.
One user remarked, "How terrible it is to see this weapon on such a bright day of remembrance! Our ancestors fought for peace and well-being for themselves and their descendants!" This sentiment captures the tension between honoring the past and the practical implications of commemorative events in modern urban settings.
Another user added, "It's sad, however, that descendants have allowed the country to become what it is now." This reflects a broader discussion about national pride and the current state of affairs, particularly in light of historical events like the Great Patriotic War.
In the online discussions, many residents voiced their annoyance over the upcoming restrictions, with one commenting, "You’re just going to have to walk on your own two feet to avoid traffic jams." This comment highlights the everyday challenges faced by locals who must navigate the city's streets during these commemorative events.
Others expressed skepticism about the necessity of showcasing heavy military equipment in the city center, questioning the need to display such vehicles on narrow, historic streets that are home to buildings over 150 years old. One user questioned, "Why bring heavy equipment into the city center? For what purpose?" This highlights a concern about the potential damage to the city's infrastructure and the appropriateness of such displays in urban areas.
Despite the logistical challenges, city officials maintain that the rehearsals and the parade are essential for honoring the sacrifices made during the war. The Victory Parade is a long-standing tradition in Russia, serving as a reminder of the nation's resilience and the importance of remembering its history.
As the dates approach, residents are encouraged to stay informed about traffic changes and to plan their routes accordingly. The city has promised to provide updates on any further restrictions or changes to the schedule, ensuring that the public is aware of how to navigate the disruptions.
In conclusion, the upcoming Victory Parade and its rehearsals reflect a blend of historical significance and contemporary urban challenges. While the events are designed to honor the past, they also raise questions about the balance between celebration and the practicalities of city life.
