A Region-Wide Tribute to Victory

The Tula region is set to host over 500 events, including exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.These events aim to honor the legacy of the Great Patriotic war and foster patriotic sentiment among residents, notably the younger generation.

Museums unveil Rare Artifacts and Ancient Documents

Museums throughout the Tula region are preparing thematic expositions. A highlight is the “One for all. Victory!” exhibition at the Tula Kremlin, featuring the Order of Victory awarded to Marshal Alexander Vasilevsky, a symbol of the Soviet triumph over fascism. This rare artifact, provided by the Central Museum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, is displayed alongside approximately 350 items from leading military-historical museums. Admission is free, and the exhibition runs until september 15.

The Tula branch of the State Historical museum (GIM) presents “Store Forever,” showcasing unique relics, including Zhukov’s annotated speech from the Victory Parade and declassified documents from the Tula State Archive. The Tula State Museum of weapons has also launched the “Weapons of the Great Victory” exhibition.

The Sasha Chekalin Museum will feature personal items belonging to Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Pavlovich Chekalin, on loan from the Central Museum of the Armed Forces.These include a hammer, a manual vise, and a film, offering a glimpse into Chekalin’s life before the war.

Eternal Flame and Theatrical Performances Honor Veterans

As part of a nationwide initiative launched on behalf of President Vladimir Putin, a new eternal flame will be lit in the updated Sasha Chekalin Square. This initiative aims to establish 100 new eternal flames across Russia, symbolizing remembrance and gratitude.

The Tula Academic Theater of Drama will present “Only Old Men are Going to Battle” on May 4 and 9. On Victory Day, the theater will also stage a theatrical reading of “Tula Working Regiment: The Amulet Border,” based on declassified materials related to the defense of Tula, provided by the Federal Security Service of russia in the Tula region. The winners of the “Tula Gems” festival will present the theatrical performance “Memory” at the theater of the young spectator on May 8.

Symphony and Remembrance Initiatives

A unique event is planned for May 9 on Cathedral Square in the Tula Kremlin, where the Tula symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ivan Nikiforchi, will perform shostakovich’s Seventh “Leningrad” Symphony. The performance will accommodate 1,000 spectators, with consideration being given to allowing viewing from the Kremlin walls.

The “Memory Trains,” a joint initiative with the Russian Military Historical society, will arrive at the Moscow Railway Station on May 6.

The electronic resource “Live and Remember” has been updated to synchronize data on all burials and military memorials in the Tula region and includes a new section dedicated to the special military operation.

Immortal Regiment and Patriotic Education

The immortal Regiment Civil Initiative is organizing events in schools to connect generations and promote patriotic education among young residents. Since 2021, educational institutions have been involved in photographic exhibitions and other activities to honor the memory of war heroes.

Maintaining the connection of generations [is crucial],contributing to the patriotic education of young residents of the region.
elena Grebneva, regional coordinator of the Immortal Regiment Civil Initiative

A Region-Wide Tribute to Valor

As Russia prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, the Tula region is orchestrating a comprehensive program of events designed to honor the sacrifices and achievements of those who fought in the Great Patriotic War. This year’s celebrations will feature a blend of traditional ceremonies and modern initiatives, ensuring that the memory of the war endures for generations to come.

Remembering Heroes: “Hero in the Heart” Campaign

While the traditional Immortal Regiment march will not be held, Tula residents are encouraged to participate in the “Hero in the Heart” campaign. This initiative, launched by local volunteers in 2016, invites individuals to display photographs of their ancestors who served during the war. these images, sized at 9×12, serve as personal tributes to the courage and resilience of these heroes.

This approach mirrors a broader trend of adapting remembrance ceremonies to current circumstances, ensuring that the spirit of commemoration remains strong even in the absence of large-scale processions. According to recent surveys, over 70% of Russians believe it is important to find new ways to honor veterans in light of current restrictions on public gatherings.

“Panoramas of Victory” and “Victory Lines”

Educational institutions across the Tula region are creating “Panoramas of Victory,” composed of photographs of Great Patriotic War participants – the ancestors of current students and teachers. From May 5th to 7th,schools will also host “Victory Lines,” culminating in a solemn march accompanied by the Tula anthem.

A Symphony of Remembrance: Music and Media

From April 28th to May 7th, “Victory Radio-Marathon” will broadcast stories of veterans’ military and labor contributions. On Victory Day, military songs will resonate throughout the tula region, drawing from a collection of nearly 15 hours of musical compositions accumulated over the years by local creative groups and residents. Media panels in the regional center will display photos of veteran residents.

Residents are also encouraged to share stories and photos of their relatives who served on social media using the hashtag #myimmortalregiment71,creating a digital tapestry of remembrance.

Enhancing the Festive Atmosphere

The city of Tula has developed a festive design concept, incorporating 47 flag art objects and over 500 flags. 115 vehicles are decorated, and five illuminated art objects, including an anti-tank hedgehog, will be installed for the first time. Bridges and overpasses will feature over 500 flags, and 281 light consoles will adorn lighting supports on ten streets. Social facilities, businesses, and transport will display posters with the official logo of the 80th anniversary of Victory.

Parades for Veterans and patriotic Art

Parades are being held at the homes of Great Patriotic War veterans in 11 regions, with necessary repairs conducted to their residences. A graffiti mural depicting symbols of the Great patriotic War is nearing completion on Krasnoarmeysky Prospekt,7.

Motorcade and Historical Excursions

On May 3rd, the Tula Motosouz club will embark on a motor launch from the Memorial “Defenders of the Heaven of the Fatherland” to Victory Square. The “Tram Victory” campaign, running until June 24th, offers passengers a military-historical excursion thru the city.

Culminating Events on Victory Day

The celebrations will reach their peak on May 7th and May 9th with a series of significant events.

“Cities-Heroes” Project and “Equal for the Banner of Victory” Marathon

On May 7th, Victory Square will host a solemn event for the “Cities-Heroes” project and the patriotic marathon “Equal for the Banner of Victory,” featuring the unfurling of a 200-square-meter copy of the Banner of Victory.

St. George Ribbons and the Victory Parade

Volunteers will distribute over 20,000 St. George ribbons to Tula residents leading up to may 9th. The Victory Parade on Lenin Square will commence at 10:00 AM, followed by a patriotic concert at 12:00 PM, featuring veterans, families, youth, and residents.

A City-Wide Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory Day

Tula is preparing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day with a series of events across the city. Celebrations will center around key locations, including Lenin Square, the Kazan Embankment, the historic Tula Kremlin, Victory Square, and the Peter Petrovich Belousov Central Park of Culture and Rest. Festivities are designed to honor the sacrifices made during World War II and celebrate the triumph of peace.

Key Event Locations and Schedules

Each location will offer unique experiences throughout the day:

• Central Park of Culture and Rest: Starting at 13:00, visitors can enjoy thematic platforms and concert programs featuring cover bands.
• Kazan Embankment: The embankment will come alive at 13:00 with performances by creative groups and talented students from children’s art schools.
• Victory Square, Kazan Embankment, and Lenin Square: At 18:55, all three locations will broadcast the All-Russian moment of silence, a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives.
• Lenin Square: Following the moment of silence, the festive program will continue until 22:00, showcasing creative groups and performers from Tula and the surrounding region.

Grand Finale: A Spectacular Fireworks Display

The culmination of the Victory Day celebration will be a breathtaking fireworks display organized by the esteemed 106th Airborne Division.This display promises to light up the night sky and provide a memorable conclusion to the day’s events.

Traffic Restrictions and Road Closures

To ensure the safety and smooth operation of the celebrations, the city administration, lead by First Deputy Head Yuri Terekhov, has announced significant traffic restrictions. These measures will affect parking and vehicle movement in the historical center and surrounding streets.

Parade Rehearsals and Restrictions

Preparations for the Victory day parade will involve several rehearsals, impacting traffic flow. Specifically:

• May 1, 3, and 5: From 20:00, parade rehearsals will take place. Stopping and parking will be prohibited from 00:00 to 22:00. Vehicle movement will be restricted from 17:00 to 22:00 on Lenin Square and Mendeleevskaya Street, and from 18:00 to 22:00 along the military equipment route in the historical center, including Lenin Avenue.
• May 7: A general rehearsal is scheduled from 10:00. Stopping and parking will be prohibited from 00:00 to 13:00, with vehicle movement restricted from 06:00 to 13:00 on lenin Square and Mendeleevskaya Street, and from 09:00 to 13:00 along the military equipment route in the historical center, including Lenin Avenue.

Victory Day Parade Restrictions

On May 9,during the Victory Parade,stringent traffic measures will be in place:

• Stopping and parking will be prohibited from 00:00 to 13:00.
• Vehicle movement,including municipal public transport (from 08:00 to 13:00),will be restricted from 06:00 to 13:00 along the military equipment route in the historical center,including Lenin Avenue to Gogolevskaya Street,and Sovetskaya Street from Friedrich engels Street to Turgenevskaya Street.
• Additionally, stopping and parking will be prohibited from 00:00 to 13:00 on Uprising Square.

Fireworks Display Restrictions

During the festive salute, further restrictions will be implemented:

• Stopping and parking will be prohibited from 08:00 to 23:00 at the approaches to the Upa River embankment near the Proletarsky bridge from the Maxi shopping center, and on the Upa river embankment itself.
• Vehicle movement will be limited from 20:00 to 23:00 on Lenin Square, in the historical center, and in the vicinity of Proletarsky and Zarechensky bridges.

Public Transportation and Parking

To accommodate the increased demand, city passenger transport will operate in full accordance with the approved schedule, with extended service until 24:00.Moreover, parking will be free in all zones from April 28 to May 11, inclusive, providing convenient options for attendees.

Enhanced Security Measures

Considering current geopolitical tensions, the Tula regional goverment has decided to minimize the use of pyrotechnic products and has urged citizens to remain vigilant to prevent provocations and potential terrorist acts from May 1 to 9. These measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen public order and ensure the safety and security of all attendees at the festive events. According to recent reports from security analysts, heightened vigilance is crucial during large public gatherings to mitigate potential risks.

Ensuring the safety of our citizens is our top priority. We are taking all necessary precautions to provide a secure and enjoyable surroundings for everyone celebrating Victory Day.

– A spokesperson for the Tula Regional Government