Victory Day in 2026: how many years, program of events

In 2026, the Russian Federation will celebrate the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, a significant date that will unite generations with large-scale celebrations and memorial actions across the country. This anniversary will become another important milestone in preserving the historical memory of the heroic deed of the Soviet people. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

81st anniversary of Victory in 2026: how many years is it?

The calculation of the Victory anniversary in 2026 is based on a chronological countdown from the historical date of May 9, 1945. By simple arithmetic calculation, it is established that 81 years pass from the moment of signing the Act of Surrender of Germany to the anniversary date in 2026. This method of counting is officially accepted for determining the anniversaries of significant events in the historical chronology.

The countdown is conducted exclusively from the final date of the end of hostilities, and not from the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. This system of calculation is fixed in government documents and historical science, ensuring the unity of approaches to determining anniversaries.

May 9 — Victory Day: History

The historical foundations of the celebration originate in the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated May 8, 1945, which declared May 9 Victory Day. Subsequently, in 1947, the holiday ceased to be a day off, and in 1965, by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, it was restored to the status of a non-working day.

The legal formalization of the holiday is connected with the signing of the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Germany on May 8, 1945 at 22:43 Central European time. Due to the time difference, this event occurred on May 9 at 00:43 Moscow time, which determined the date of the celebration in the USSR, and then in Russia. This feature is fixed in official documents and traditions of celebration.

Victory Day in Modern Russia: status and value

In the Russian Federation, Victory Day retains the status of one of the most important public holidays. Its official name, Victory Day of the Soviet People in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, reflects a deep symbolic meaning and historical significance.

According to federal law, the holiday is included in the list of days of military glory of Russia. For decades, May 9 has remained a symbol of national unity, historical memory, and generational continuity. Government agencies, veteran organizations, and volunteers across the country are taking part in the preparations for the festivities.

How Victory Day will be celebrated in 2026: the program of events

The annual Victory Day celebration program includes several key elements that persist from year to year. The central event will be the Victory Day military parade on Red Square, showcasing modern military equipment and dedicated to the memory of the war veterans.

The Immortal Regiment national march will continue the tradition of mass citizen participation in the celebration of this significant date. A solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin Wall will be held with the participation of government officials and official delegations.

Meetings with veterans, concerts and memorial events will be held in many Russian cities, and the day will end with fireworks, which will be the culmination of the celebrations.

Preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War

Preparations for the 81st anniversary of the Victory include a set of measures to preserve historical heritage and patriotic education. Archival institutions continue to systematically declassify and publish documents from the war period, providing researchers with access to historical materials.

Special attention is paid to the digitalization of archival funds related to the Great Patriotic War, which makes it possible to create a single information space for studying historical events. Educational and awareness-raising projects are aimed at young people and use modern interactive formats.

Museums are developing new thematic exhibitions, and scientific institutes are expanding their research work, revealing little-known pages of the history of the war and strengthening the bond between generations.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.