Parades in Russian memory culture

Military parades, particularly those commemorating the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany on May 9th, play a pivotal role in shaping Russian national memory and identity. These parades on Moscow's Red Square have evolved from sporadic jubilee celebrations during the Soviet era to become an annual, central element of state commemorative activities in post-Soviet Russia. The study highlights how these parades serve dual purposes: demonstrating military strength and discipline while reinforcing a collective sense of pride and unity among the Russian people. By analyzing historical and cultural significance, the research underscores the parade's transformation into a symbol of national cohesion, rooted in the shared experience of the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945).

Pörzgen, Y. (2021). Parades in Russian memory culture. The Memory of the Second World War in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia, 229–246. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003144915-13