How 9th May is Celebrated Across Former Soviet Countries and Europe

Every year on May 9th, many countries mark the end of World War II celebrations. However, the commemoration of this date is not uniform across the former Soviet states and Europe. This article delves into the differences in how countries like Minsk, Kyiv, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Volgograd, and the Baltic states like Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland celebrate this day, or if they even do at all.

Centralized Celebrations in Moscow

The city of Moscow, the capital of Russia, is widely known for its grandiose 9th May parades, commemorating victory in World War II. These celebrations are highly centralized, often involving military parades, fireworks, and speeches from officials. The parade in Moscow is one of the largest in the world, attracting millions of spectators each year.

Regional Variations in Central and Eastern Europe

Latvia: VE Day on May 8th

Latvia, a Baltic state, celebrates Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8th. Interestingly, many Latvians observe May 9th as well, remembering the USSR's supposed victory without acknowledging the assistance from other countries. Last year, a monument in Riga, formally named the 'Monument to the Liberators of Soviet Latvia and Riga from German Fascist Invaders,' was torn down. This event symbolizes a shift in perspective away from commemorating Soviet occupation and towards WWII veterans.

Lithuania: A Forgotten Anniversary

In Lithuania, there is substantial indifference regarding the 9th May. Russian minorities in the country mark the day by honoring Soviet soldiers, while the majority of the Lithuanian population hardly acknowledges it. The Russian minority's celebrations are more about the Soviet Union's victory, while there are no official events in the rest of the country.

Poland: The Shift to VE Day

Before 1990, Poland celebrated 'National Victory and Liberty Day' on May 9th with military parades and even official representation at the Moscow parade. However, in 2014, amidst the Ukrainian crisis and increasing decomunization trends, the holiday was renamed 'National Victory Day' to commemorate it on May 8th, in line with Western practices. The day is now only observed at the city level with wreaths laid and salutes given. It is often a somber and almost solemn event rather than a celebration, reflecting the national sentiments of acknowledging the sorrow of the past without much triumph.

Baltic and Eastern European Fallout

The 9th May celebrations in the Baltic states and Eastern European countries continue to evolve, with differing attitudes towards Soviet and Nazi occupations. In Poland and some Baltic states, there is a growing recognition of the need to acknowledge the end of World War II and the legacy of the post-war period more accurately. While the events are more subdued and less grandiose compared to Moscow’s celebrations, they are an important step towards historical awareness and national unity.

As these countries continue to navigate their complex histories, the 9th May becomes a day for reflection and remembrance rather than celebration. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the impact of the past on shaping the present and future of these nations.