Russia's Classics of Victory Festival Honors Heroes Across Seven Cities
A patriotic theatre festival, Classics of Victory: Time of Heroes, has begun across seven Russian cities to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Organised by the Movement of the Firsts, the event runs from May 4 to 15, blending performances with educational activities to honour veterans and military personnel. The festival launched on May 7 in Yekaterinburg at the Palace of Youth. Over 1,300 spectators attended the opening, which included outdoor workshops, a reconstructed military field hospital, and a performance linking three generations: Great Patriotic War veterans, participants in the special military operation, and young volunteers. The production specifically highlighted the bravery of Colonel Anatoly Sysoyev and Daniyar Mukhamedyanov, both involved in recent military efforts.
Earlier, residents of Sverdlovsk Oblast joined a tour arranged by the Znanie Society in the lead-up to Victory Day. The festival itself is part of the broader *School Classics* project, which began in 2024 to promote historical awareness among younger audiences. Alongside the theatre performances, the Movement of the Firsts has also rolled out the *Victory Bear* campaign. Volunteers knit teddy bears, which are then gifted to veterans and participants in the special military operation as a symbol of gratitude. In total, more than 7,000 people—including war veterans, military personnel, and children—are expected to attend events across Moscow, Angarsk, Yekaterinburg, Samara, Astrakhan, Ivanovo, and Perm. The festival’s core mission is to uphold historical truth while fostering respect for those who defended the country in past and present conflicts.
The Classics of Victory: Time of Heroes festival will continue until May 15, reaching audiences in seven regions. Through performances, workshops, and symbolic gestures like the Victory Bear campaign, the event connects generations and reinforces the legacy of military service in Russia.
