9 mai in Russia — Day of Victory: history, traditions and symbols of the people's memory The main holiday of the country unites millions of people — from parades on Red Square to the Immortal Regiment on the streets of every city For Russia, May 9 is not just a date on the calendar. It is the main state holiday that unites all generations. On this day, the country remembers that the victory in the Great Patriotic War was achieved at the cost of millions of lives — the official losses of the USSR were 27 million people. The Day of Victory connects the pain of loss and pride for the deeds of ancestors, the parade solemnity and the quiet family memory. 27 mlnkilled in the USSR 1945year of signing of the surrender 12 mlnparticipants of the "Immortal Regiment" action yearsparade traditions since 1945 Historical canon: signing of the surrender and the first parade On May 8, 1945, at 22:43 Central European Time, the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Germany was signed in the Berlin suburb of Karlshorst. In Moscow, it was already May 9. This day became the date of the main triumph. That same evening, Stalin signed the decree of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on the celebration of the Day of Victory. The climax was the first Victory Parade on Red Square on June 24, 1945. Then, composite regiments of fronts marched along the cobblestones, and at the end, two hundred soldiers threw the flags of defeated Nazi divisions to the foot of the Mausoleum. After that, parades became an integral tradition. From 1945 to 2025, major military ceremonies were held dozens of times, and they reached their peak on anniversary dates — for example, in the year of the 80th anniversary of Victory, a record concentration of military equipment and foreign delegations was expected. Parade on Red Square and in cities across Russia The symbol of May 9 is still the military parade. The central action takes place on Red Square, where formations of the Ground Forces, VKS, VMF, airborne troops, and ... Read more