Witness Moscow Parade - A Spectacular Annual Event!


The first Moscow parade was held on May, 1st, 1941, a month before the Nazis invaded Russia. The Soviet leadership was trying to repel Hitler by showing the Red Army's strength.

Apparently, the Nazis were not impressed...

Later, on November 7th, 1941, the troops were once again marching through the Red Square, going straight to the front lines.

The Germans were approaching the capitol, and the parade was meant to show them Russia was not afraid.

It worked.

Some people say it was a breakpoint. The Nazis were so close to capturing Moscow, and yet they failed, suffering a severe blow to their morale.

Moscow Parade 1945

Victory Parade, 1945

The first Victory Parade was held on May 9th, 1945. Soviet soldiers marched through the Red Square, and tossed German flags to the feet of Stalin. That's when the tradition was finally born.

Since then, the parades were held annually. The Soviet state was showing the citizens its might.

Time went by. Tanks and planes were replaced with newer models, ICBMs appeared, uniforms got changed, but one thing left untouched.

The spirit of Victory over Nazism.

The Victory is very important for every Russian. That's the "glue" that keeps the country together.

All of Russia's small nations took part in the War. The Victory bonds us with a common past, despite all of the disputes.

When USSR fell apart in 1991, The Victory Parade was cut severely. Beginning from 2000, it has gradually been restored.

In 2008, the Red Square has once again heard the roar of the engines.

Moscow Parade 2008. Courtesy of antonis shen at Flickr.com

2008 Victory Parade

Extensive preparations were made. Zillions of rehearsals took place. Rubber coating was put on tanks' caterpillars to avoid any damage to the pavement.

Everything went perfect. It was beautiful!

You now have a unique chance to visit the Parade and enjoy this historical event. It takes place every 9th of May.

Don't forget to bring your camera!




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