Where It All Begins: Tomsk's Victory Day Celebration
Mazur holds rally celebrating 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War
9th of May in Tomsk - RIA Tomsk News
The jovial crowd started gathering at Tomsk's iconic Novosobornaya Square around an hour before the festivities kicked off at 11:00, with the governor, Vladimir Mazur, leading the way in his welcome speech. Our correspondent provides a live report from the scenic location.
As our reporter describes, the participants of the grand parade and military equipment started lining up along Prospekt Lenina well before the ceremony. On the main stage of Tomsk State University’s systems management and radio engineering department, veterans of World War II were, as tradition dictates, invited to attend.
"Eighty years ago, the most joyous and long-awaited word, "victory," swept across our nation, lighting up every home – from the capital to the most remote village. That single word overturned the lives in our country, which, from that moment onward, ceased engaging in offensive battles and instead dedicated itself to rebuilding ravaged cities and villages, constructing and building anew," said Mazur in his opening address.
Previously, it was announced that the official celebration would be followed by a Victory Day Parade, with approximately 1,500 people marching from Novosobornaya Square to Lagerny Park. The proud Tomsk crowd would witness over 80 units of restored military and civilian technology pass by, with a restored T-34 tank serving as the grand opening act. Information about online streaming of the parade can be found on social media platforms of GTRK "Tomsk."
Up until now, the Immortal Regiment march has not been held in person in Tomsk since 2022 due to safety concerns. Interestingly, it has been reported that the Immortal Regiment march will showcase portraits of people involved in the "special military operation" (SVO) for the first time in 2025[2].
In an exciting twist, this year marks the return of the "BesConsumer Warning: This article may contain violence and offensive language. Proceed with caution.
Bes Fatalis Regiment march, which has been cancelled in Tomsk since 2023 due to safety considerations.
- Strong deliberations were underway regarding the return of the "Bes Fatalis Regiment" march in Tomsk this year, after a two-year hiatus due to safety concerns, as announced during the general news section of 2022.
- The victorious and lively atmosphere of Tomsk's Victory Day celebration, held on the 9th of May, was captured live on GTRK "Tomsk's" social media platforms for those who couldn't attend the grand events, including the Victory Day Parade and the 1,500-strong march.
- As the 2022 elections approached, politics were a hot topic in Tomsk, with the seventh section of the city's citizens engaging in strong discussions about the roles of respective leaders like Vladimir Mazur.
- Reflecting on the rich history of Tomsk, citizens gathered at Prospekt Lenina listened attentively to speeches about the 80-year-old victory that illuminated houses from the capital to the remotest villages, a time when political leanings were redirected towards reconstruction and renewal.
