Victory Day Celebration on Red Square, Moscow, May 9, 1945

August 16, 2025 - Reading time: 4 minutes

Red Square erupts in celebration on May 9, 1945, marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany with music, dancing, and a grand artillery salute.

Soviet civilians celebrate Victory Day on Red Square, Moscow, May 9, 1945, with flags, music, dancing, and an artillery salute following the surrender of Nazi Germany.

This historic photograph captures the jubilant celebrations on Red Square, Moscow, on May 9, 1945, following the surrender of Nazi Germany and the end of the Great Patriotic War in Europe. Soviet civilians flooded the streets in spontaneous demonstrations, waving flags, singing, and dancing to accordions, reflecting the immense relief and joy of victory.

According to Soviet war correspondent A. Ustinov, in the early hours of May 9, 1945, Moscow citizens eagerly awaited the official broadcast. At 2:10 a.m., Dr. Yuri Levitan read the Act of Military Capitulation of Nazi Germany and the decree declaring May 9 as Victory Day. People poured into the streets, celebrating with heartfelt enthusiasm, culminating in an evening artillery salute — thirty rounds from a thousand guns in honor of the historic triumph.

This photograph not only documents a moment of national jubilation but also symbolizes the collective resilience, sacrifice, and victory of the Soviet people and armed forces. It preserves the essence of a nation celebrating freedom after years of unimaginable struggle.

Technical photo data:
📝 Source of information: Unknown
📍 Location: Moscow, USSR
📅 Date of photo: May 9, 1945
📷 Photographer: Alexey Krasavin