Russia Victory Day: May 9
Victory Day is a public holiday in Russia.
Along with other European countries and member of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Russia celebrates the victory of the Allied Forces against the invading Nazi Germany.
History of Russia Victory Day
Constituent members of USSR were the first to proclaim May 9 as the official surrender of Nazi German military after the instrument of surrender was signed by Germany on May 7 followed by ratification on May 8. The change in date is due to the difference in time zones between European and Eurasian countries such as Germany and constituent members of USSR.
Russia has since proclaimed that May 9 be considered as a public holiday to commemorate the success of the Allied Forces in destroying Nazi Germany and putting an end to the horror brought by the Second World War.
Russia celebrated the anniversary in 1946 but did not consider it as a special celebration until 1965 when it was finally promulgated as a non-working holiday.
Russia Victory Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities
During Victory Day, the government holds military parade in Red Square in Moscow as part of a series of ceremonies conducted for the commemoration of the official end of World War II. Russia is one of the few countries in Europe and Eurasia which seriously celebrates this holiday.
Local government representatives take charge in laying wreath in war memorials all throughout Russia. Military parading their war vehicles swarm the street of Moscow during the celebration. Fighter jets fly in the air to demonstrate the strength of Russian military fleet.
