Volgograd to forgo fireworks on Stalingrad victory day

On February 2, the day of the 83rd anniversary of victory in the Battle of Stalingrad, Volgograd will officially regain its historical name Stalingrad for one day.

The festive fireworks display will not be held this year. The regional operational headquarters decided to cancel it for security reasons.

Instead of the evening fireworks, a «volley of Memory» will take place at Mamayev Kurgan. According to the press service of the Southern Military District, the artillery shot will resound at 13:00. The Volgograd administration reported that additional special effects are planned during the day.

On the eve of the memorial date, road signs at all city entrances marking the «start of settlement» and «end of settlement» were replaced with versions bearing the name «Stalingrad». This procedure is carried out annually for nine days when Volgograd temporarily becomes Stalingrad.