Victory Day in St Petersburg

Victory Day is always a huge celebration in Russia and St Petersburg is once again doing it in style, with plenty of events scheduled throughout the day.

The day kicks off at 10am, with a parade on Palace Square by the troops of the St Petersburg garrison.

At 2pm, a free concert will be held for war veterans and locals at St Isaac’s Square, not far from Palace Square, with Mariinsky Theatre opera star Vasily Gerello performing songs from the wartime era.

The traditional march down Nevsky Prospect takes place at 5pm, starting at Ploschad Vosstanya and finishing at Palace Square. This route is marched by war veterans and soldiers and this year is a bit special, as locals are invited to take part, marching behind the veterans, to represent the “Immortal Regiment”, carrying photographs of family members who died during the war. These victims can be soldiers, officers or civilians. Participants should gather at 4pm at 2nd Sovetskaya Ultisa.

5000 people are expected to take part in the “Immortal Regiment” and need to bring a large photograph of the person who died in the war with their name and military rank written on it. Over 10,000 people will participate in the parade.

There will be a concert on Palace Square, starting at 6pm, where each person will receive a gift bag with items like mugs and baseball caps. There’s also going to be a dance floor there, where you’re invited to dance as much as you like!

To end the day, there’ll be a final ceremony at the Peter and Paul fortress and a spectacular firework display to round it all off.

Make sure you head to Nevsky Prospect to watch the parade at the very least, and don’t forget to get your black and orange St. George ribbons from volunteers on the street and in the metro stations. You should wear your ribbon on the left side of your chest, at the same level as your heart.

Enjoy the day and be sure to share your experiences with us on the Facebook page and group!