On May 9, 2025, St. Petersburg transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration as the city commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The day was marked by extensive street closures and a grand parade, drawing thousands of residents and visitors eager to participate in the festivities.
Starting early in the morning, from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM, significant portions of the city's central streets were closed to traffic. This included Nevsky Prospekt, which was inaccessible from Alexander Nevsky Square to Admiralteysky Prospekt. Other streets affected by the closures were Goncharnaya Street, a section of Ligovsky Prospekt, Poltavskaya Street, Suvorovsky Prospekt, and several others, including the Moika embankment and Aptekarsky Pereulok. These restrictions were in place until 6:00 PM, ensuring that the parade could proceed without disruption.
As the day progressed, a second wave of closures began at 8:00 PM, lasting until 11:00 PM. During this time, key locations such as Dvortsovaya and Admiralteyskaya embankments, Universitetskaya embankment from Mendeleevskaya line to Birzhevaya Square, and the iconic Dvortsovy Bridge became inaccessible. The closures also affected sections of Nevsky Prospekt and Admiralteysky Prospekt, along with Gorokhovaya Street and Bolshaya Morskaya Street.
In addition to the street closures, the St. Petersburg Metro adjusted its services in response to the celebrations. The Nevsky Prospekt station was closed for entry and exit, operating only for entry at vestibule 1, which leads to Mikhailovskaya Street. Vestibule 2, which exits to the Griboedov Canal, was completely closed. Metro employees advised passengers to use the adjacent Gostiny Dvor metro station instead. Furthermore, the Gorkovskaya station, closest to the festive salute, would only allow exits from 9:25 PM to 10:00 PM.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Victory Parade held on Palace Square. The parade commenced with marching units that included soldiers from the Leningrad Military District, Rosgvardiya, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, among others. The atmosphere was electric as more than 100 units of military equipment from World War II rolled across the square, led by the iconic T-34 tank. This mechanized column showcased both historical and modern military hardware, including T-90M tanks, armored personnel carriers, and advanced missile systems like the Iskander and S-400 Triumf.
As the parade unfolded, the announcer proudly declared, "In the parade formation are the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the victors, those who have chosen the honorable and important profession of defending the Motherland!" This sentiment resonated deeply with the crowd, emphasizing the significance of the occasion.
Following the display of military might, a moving exhibition titled "Leningrad Victory!" was presented, culminating in a tribute to the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine. The announcer remarked, "In the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, our soldiers are testing the enemy in all directions." This commentary added a contemporary context to the historical celebrations, linking past sacrifices to present-day military efforts.
The parade concluded with a stunning waltz performed by hundreds of dancers dressed in 1950s costumes, providing a beautiful and artistic finale to the day’s events. The honor guard also showcased their skills in a demonstration of rifle handling, further captivating the audience.
As St. Petersburg celebrated this significant milestone, the city not only honored its past but also engaged with its present, creating a day filled with pride, remembrance, and community spirit. The extensive preparations and adjustments made by the city ensured that the 80th anniversary of Victory Day would be remembered for years to come.
In summary, the 2025 Victory Day celebrations in St. Petersburg were a grand affair, marked by significant street closures, a spectacular parade featuring historical and modern military displays, and a community united in remembrance and pride. The day was a testament to the resilience and spirit of the people, honoring the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced today.
