Volgograd Cancels Fireworks for Stalingrad Victory Day
Volgograd authorities have cancelled fireworks and light shows for the 83rd anniversary of the Stalingrad victory, with the artillery salute also in doubt.
Feb 15, 2026 0
The celebration program for the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad in Volgograd excludes fireworks, a parade, and a laser show.
Source:
Volgograd authorities have published the program of events for the 83rd anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Stalingrad. The celebrations will be held without a parade, fireworks, or large-scale light shows.
From February 1 to 2, wreath-laying ceremonies at memorial sites are planned in all city districts. Educational institutions will hold Lessons of Courage, quizzes, sports competitions, and meetings with veterans for students.
The cultural program includes several events. On February 3, the Margarita Agashina Central Library will host a presentation of Anton Alexandrov«s book »Ghosts of Stalingrad«. On the same day, Library Branch No. 8 on Engels Boulevard will organize a brain-ring titled »Victory Code «Stalingrad»«.
For district residents, palaces of culture have prepared concerts and theatrical performances dedicated to the anniversary. This will allow citizens to celebrate the holiday without traveling far from home.
The absence of a parade is due to an order from the Russian Ministry of Defense, which mandates that such events be held only on «round» anniversaries. Fireworks were cancelled for security reasons, and light installations were scrapped this year.
A decision on the artillery salute, which traditionally involves cannon fire, has not yet been made.
A source in the administration of the Volgograd Region commented: «Regarding the parade, there is an order from the Russian Ministry of Defense to hold such events only on »round« anniversaries. Light installations will definitely not happen this year, fireworks were cancelled for security reasons, and as for the artillery salute in its classical understanding with cannon fire, its conduct is the prerogative of the Ministry of Defense, and as far as I know, the department is currently deciding on its holding in memory of all defenders of heroic Stalingrad.»
The anniversary was celebrated most extensively on February 2, 2023, the 80th jubilee. At that time, fireworks were launched in every district, light installations were shown in the city center, and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the festivities.
The 2025 anniversary was remembered by Volgograd residents for a massive attack by Ukrainian drones on the night of February 2-3. According to Governor Andrey Bocharov, most of the drones were intercepted, and there were no civilian casualties. The fall of debris caused local fires at an oil refinery, which were quickly extinguished. Brief voltage fluctuations in the power grid were also recorded.
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