“Victory” – so much strength and perseverance in that word. Usually athletes talk about it, implying the successful overcoming of a distance or goal, but not on May 9. On this day, all achievements and events are dedicated to one victory – over fascism, which occurred in May 1945.
In honor of this, the Victory Parade is held annually on Red Square, in the heart of Moscow, on May 9. By preserving the memory of this event, passing it on from generation to generation, we only remind the world that this must not happen again.
The First Victory Parade
The date – May 9 – is ingrained in our minds as Victory Day and, consequently, the day of the parade. But in fact, the first celebration took place on June 24, 1945. Preparations for it took place in a short time, only a few weeks the participants of the procession rehearsed their program. Due to time constraints, they had to practice for 6-7 hours on a daily basis.
On June 24 at 10 a.m. Marshal Georgy Zhukov rode into Red Square on horseback. The weather was overcast and rainy, which only emphasized the sad tone of this “holiday with tears in its eyes”. The song “Glory, Russian people!” was played, which foreshadowed Zhukov’s speech. He congratulated everyone on the Great Victory over Nazi Germany. After 50 volleys of artillery salute and a threefold “Hurrah!” the solemn march of the troops began. The parade lasted 122 minutes, during which time more than 35 thousand people marched across Red Square.
Victory Parade, 1945
Preparations for the Victory Parade
Of course, units prepare for the march on the main square of the country all year round, but the active phase begins in the 20s of April. It was during this period that evening rehearsals began to take place on Red Square. At them not only the behavior of the participants is worked out, but also the order of their exit, the time and the scenario are checked. At the beginning of May, early in the morning, at six o’clock, checks were also held.
On May 5, a dress rehearsal of the Victory Parade was held, where everyone could line up along the route of the column and see what this year’s celebration would look like.
Rehearsal of the Victory Parade – 2024
How will the Victory Parade – 2024 be held?
The traditional program is repeated from year to year, with only minor changes. The parade will start at 10:00 Moscow time.
Presumably, the structure will look like this:
- bringing out the flag of the Russian Federation and the Victory Banner;
- speech of the President;
- a minute of silence;
- solemn march of honor guards, historical companies, active servicemen and orchestra;
- parade of military equipment of different epochs;
- the air part of the parade.
It is already known that the total number of participants in 2024 will be nine thousand people. Among them are represented various troops, from land to sea and air, cadets of Suvorov, Nakhimov and cadet schools, youth guard, women soldiers and Cossacks. Also this year the participants of the Red Square will march along the paving stones of the Red Square.
More than 70 units of equipment will make their march in the heart of the capital, demonstrating the full power of our army in the past and present. The aerobatic groups “Russian Knights” and “Strizhi” will take off into the sky above the capital.
The Parade will end with the traditional “Farewell of the Slavyanka” performed by a military band. This composition became one of the symbols of the Great Patriotic War, because in November 1941 it was to this song that the soldiers were sent to the front from the parade dedicated to the 24th anniversary of the October Revolution.
Another element of the celebration of Victory Day is a fireworks at 22:00, whether it will be held in Moscow this year, we can not yet say. More precise information will come later. In a number of cities fireworks have already been canceled.
Victory Parade – 2023
How to see the Victory Parade?
Everyone can get to the celebrations dedicated to Victory Day, because this year the weekend will begin on May 9 and end on the 12th. However, if you want to watch the procession from the podium on Red Square, there may be difficulties. It is almost impossible to get there: because of the limited space, the number of spectators does not exceed two thousand, and tickets are not on sale. Usually veterans of the Great Patriotic War, their children and grandchildren, home front workers, representatives of ministries, servicemen, leaders and diplomats of other countries are invited to the Parade.
But do not be upset before the time, the column makes a big circle through the streets of Moscow. Thus, the beginning and the end is best to observe from Mnevniki Street, along which the technique passes to the center, or from the Garden Ring and Tverskaya Street. Please note that on May 9, Tverskaya Street will be closed, so you will not be able to get to it, but you can rent an apartment or a hotel room to watch the parade from there.
Novy Arbat, the terrace of the high-rise on Kudrinskaya Square and the hill near the Pashkov House are also popular. An excellent view opens from Sofiyskaya Embankment near the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge. It is recommended to come to the place in advance, then there is a risk to miss everything because of the pandemonium.
Victory Parade – 2023
Where there will be no parade?
As we have already said, several regions canceled the festive salutes, as well as military-historical reconstructions. But that’s not all, the parade and the procession of the Immortal Regiment are not planned in a number of subjects: the Republic of Crimea, Kursk, Bryansk, Saratov, Ryazan and Pskov regions, Novocherkassk (Rostov region), the Republic of Chuvashia. The decision to cancel the celebration is made by local authorities. This is due to the situation in the region, the safety of residents and guests.
Immortal Regiment
Victory is a huge labor of millions of people, it was put together piece by piece, everyone contributed his part. To preserve the memory of the heroes, the “Immortal Regiment” action is held annually. Following the example of 2020, 2021 and 2023, when the action was held online due to various circumstances, for the safety of citizens it was decided to honor the memory of the departed remotely. The traditional procession of the Immortal Regiment in 2024 will not take place.
The action will last from May 1 to May 12. For the best coverage of the feats of our heroes, several formats have been developed:
- flash mob in social networks under the hashtag #nashBessmertnyPolk or changing your avatar to a photo of your hero;
- broadcasts on the central streets of cities using screens and building facades;
- ceremonial car rally;
- wearing the photo on clothing or a badge;
- television broadcasting, some channels will broadcast the Immortal Regiment parallel to the main broadcast throughout the day.
For convenience, you can use the template on the site, entering there the name, years of life, military ranks or status of your ancestor. There is even a separate option to add a sticker “Battle of Kursk Bulge”, “Defense of Leningrad” or “Prisoner of Nazi camps”. Don’t be upset if there are no photos of your hero, the frame can be designed without it.
Immortal Regiment campaign – 2021
Participation in the celebration of Victory Day is very important, and it is not only about patriotism, but also about respect for the feat of ancestors. The colossal labor of millions of people made it possible to achieve victory over fascism, their contribution should not be forgotten.