Hundreds of townspeople took to the streets in Vitebsk for a festive procession and street programs dedicated to May 9

Festive events in Vitebsk began with a large procession along the city's central street from Lenin Square to Victory Square. Employees of organizations and enterprises, students, and all who wished, hand in hand with flowers and portraits of their relatives who fought in the war, marched in a column led by the region's and city's leadership, while veterans were transported in an honorary motorcade. The memorial to the soldier-liberators and underground fighters traditionally became the main gathering place, where BRSM activists distributed red-green ribbons with apple blossoms. Congratulations, hugs, smiles, and tears - this is how, at the Eternal Flame, with a rally and a minute of silence, as well as the march "Victory Day" performed by the military orchestra, participants honored the memory of the fallen heroes and civilians.

This part of the program concluded with a small parade for veterans: units from the Vitebsk Cadet School and military units, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, marched before them. For the first time, the Investigative Committee Department for the Vitebsk Region presented its unit in the parade.

An An-2 aircraft traced honor circles in the sky above the memorial. Then, on one side of the square, a brass band played wartime songs, while on the other, performances by creative groups from Vitebsk, sports games, and contests were organized. On the Alley of Glory, a club for military-historical reconstruction was located around a combat vehicle, demonstrating the daily life, military equipment, and uniforms of Red Army soldiers.

At the cultural and historical complex "Golden Ring of Vitebsk 'Dvina'," a "May Victory Waltz" was organized on this day: performances by creative groups, a master class "Watercolor Sketches," a concert by a folk veterans' choir, and a one-day thematic exhibition "Memory," for which participants of the groups operating at the complex brought photographs.

their relatives who fought during the Great Patriotic War. A large program has been organized at the Vitebsk Regional Museum of the Hero of the Soviet Union M. Shmyrev and in the Partisan Glory Park. Those who wish can take part in the quest "Addresses of Memory" - a historical game dedicated to the places in Vitebsk associated with the period of the Great Patriotic War.

In the evening, all citizens and guests are invited to Victory Square not only to listen but also to sing Victory songs together. Universally beloved compositions will be performed by children and adults. The lyrics of the songs will be broadcast on electronic screens. The program will conclude with a festive fireworks display.

Ekaterina Knyazeva – BELTA. Photos by Alexander Khitrov - BELTA and Dmitry OSIPOV - "Vitebskiye Vesti".