Victory Day

Victory Day in Belarus has its roots in the end of World War II, known in the former Soviet Union as the Great Patriotic War. On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered, and the following day was declared Victory Day by the Soviet government. Belarus, which was occupied by German forces from 1941 to 1944, suffered immense devastation and loss of life, with over a quarter of its population perishing. The holiday thus became a solemn yet triumphant occasion to honor the sacrifices of the Belarusian people and Red Army soldiers.

Under Soviet rule, Victory Day was celebrated with great fanfare, including military parades in Moscow and other capitals. However, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, many former republics revised or downplayed the holiday. Belarus, under President Alexander Lukashenko, maintained the Soviet-era traditions and symbolism, reinforcing Victory Day as a cornerstone of national identity and patriotism. The date May 9 remains a public holiday, distinct from the Western Victory in Europe Day (May 8) due to the time difference of the surrender signing.

The historical narrative in Belarus emphasizes the heroic resistance of the Belarusian partisans and the Red Army's liberation of the republic. The Minsk Offensive in July 1944 and the subsequent capture of Berlin in May 1945 are key events highlighted in official commemorations. The preservation of Soviet monuments, such as the Victory Monument in Minsk, underscores the continuity of this memory.

The main event on Victory Day is the military parade on Independence Square in Minsk, attended by the president and top officials. The parade features soldiers in Red Army-style uniforms, modern military equipment, and a flyover by warplanes. Veterans, wearing their medals and uniforms, watch from stands. In the evening, a minute of silence is observed nationwide, followed by fireworks. Many people lay flowers at the Victory Monument and at war memorials, such as the Brest Hero Fortress, where a solemn ceremony is held.

Family gatherings are central to the celebration. People host feasts featuring traditional dishes like kholodets (jellied meat), potato salad, and herring 'under a fur coat'. Kvass and vodka are common drinks. Homes are often decorated with red flags and orange-and-black St. George ribbons, a symbol of military valor. Children may participate in school parades or visit museums. In recent years, the ‘Immortal Regiment’ march has become popular, where civilians carry portraits of relatives who fought in the war, processing through city streets.

Television broadcasts Soviet-era war films and concerts of patriotic songs. Bakers produce 'Victory Bread' – a 125-gram ration reminiscent of the siege of Leningrad, distributed to commemorate the hardships endured. While the day is primarily patriotic, it also carries a somber tone, with families visiting cemeteries and honoring the fallen.

Victory Day is the most revered secular holiday in Belarus, symbolizing the defeat of fascism and the resilience of the Belarusian people. It reinforces national pride and unity, as well as respect for the older generation who experienced the war. The holiday also serves to legitimize the current government, which emphasizes the continuity of Soviet heritage and the fight against any perceived resurgence of Nazism.

For many Belarusians, the day is a personal occasion to remember family members who died or served. It fosters a collective memory that transcends political differences, making it a rare point of consensus in a divided society. The holiday underscores Belarus's geopolitical alignment with Russia, sharing the same date and similar observances, while distinguishing it from neighboring countries that celebrate on May 8.