Public holiday in Russia
Victory Day in Russia
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Victory Day in Russia marks the surrender of Nazi Germany and the end of the Second World War in Europe. It is a nationwide public holiday and one of the country’s most prominent civic commemorations.
About Victory Day in Russia
In Russia, Victory Day is a major public holiday devoted to remembrance of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, the term commonly used in the country for the Second World War’s Eastern Front. It combines official state commemoration with public ceremonies, especially in larger cities. The day is also a marker in the annual holiday calendar, falling between the spring period and the start of the working week that follows the holiday.
History
Victory Day was first celebrated in the Soviet Union after Germany’s surrender in 1945. Over time, the commemoration became one of the main state holidays in Russia, with the current nationwide observance continuing the Soviet-era tradition of honoring the wartime victory and those who fought and died in it.
Traditions
The day is associated with memorial ceremonies, military symbolism and public expressions of remembrance. Common symbols include the orange-and-black St. George ribbon, which has become closely linked with Victory Day observance in Russia. Many people also lay flowers at war memorials and eternal flames.
How Victory Day is celebrated in Russia
In Russia, the day is usually marked by official ceremonies, a military parade in Moscow, televised programming and local memorial events. Families and individuals often visit monuments, cemetery graves or memorials to honor relatives who served in the war. Public squares and streets may display Victory Day decorations, and war veterans are widely recognized in public life on the day.
Interesting facts
The holiday is observed on 9 May in Russia, matching the country’s date for the end of the war in Europe. It is one of the most visible state holidays in the Russian calendar, with strong emphasis on wartime memory and veteran recognition.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 May 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.