Victory Day: May 9
Victory Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan.
Victory Day is celebrated on May 9 in Azerbaijan, a day to celebrate and remember the victory over the Nazi forces that capitulated on May 8, 1945 during World War II.
History of Victory Day
Azerbaijan participated in World War II as a Republic of the Soviet Union. In 1941, Azerbaijan produced 25.4 million tons of oil to help the war efforts. Thousands of Azeris joined the People’s Voluntary Army and fought alongside the Soviet Army. In the end, 400, 000 Azeris died from the conflict.
World War II started with the German occupation of Poland in September 1939, only to be ended after six years of a worldwide conflict. Azeris were part of the Soviet Red Army and participated in the Eastern Front of the conflict, in what is known as the Great Patriotic War. As the Allied forces entered Milan, Mussolini was caught, and he was eventually executed on April 28. Later on April 30, Hitler committed suicide as the Allies began to close in on Berlin.
German forces started to surrender all over Italy and Germany, culminating with the surrender of Nazi armies throughout Europe. Finally on May 7, General Alfred Jodl, Chief of Staff of the German Armed Forces High Command, signed the unconditional surrender of the German forces to the Allies. News of the surrender spread to the West on May 8, and celebrations began all over Europe.
In the Soviet Union, the end of the war was considered to be on May 9. As it was already May 9 in Moscow time when the surrender took place, the date has since been celebrated as Victory Day in all Soviet Republics. After the end of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan kept the same date for the countrywide celebration of Victory Day, a remembrance of the participation of Azeris and the influence of Azerbaijan’s oil in the Great Patriotic War.
Victory Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
Azeris on this day remember those war heroes that died during World War II on the Eastern Front as they fought alongside the Soviet Red Army against the German Nazis. Hundreds of war veterans, wearing their medals, pay tribute to fallen Azeris at a monument dedicated to Azeri soldiers. Official ceremonies also take place at the same spot, and among the participants of the event are Azerbaijan’s top officials and diplomats. The honoring of veterans continues during the day with concerts, which include both professional artists and amateurs.
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