Victory Day 2025 in Minsk: Parade, Concerts & Grand Fireworks

9 May 2025, Minsk will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War with a grand festive fireworks display that will light up the sky at 23:00. According to the Head of the Culture Department of the Minsk City Executive Committee, Yekaterina Luchina, fireworks will be launched at six locations around the city after the military parade and the theatrical performance. In this article, we will tell you where you can best enjoy the fireworks, what events will take place on this day, and how to plan your celebration.

Locations for watching the fireworks on 9 May 2025

The fireworks will be launched simultaneously at six points in Minsk so that residents and guests of the capital can see the spectacle in different districts of the city. The main venue will be the square by the “Belarus” Hotel, and additional fireworks will go off at five more sites. Here is the full list of locations:

1. Square by the “Belarus” Hotel (main venue) The central location near the “Belarus” Hotel will be the epicenter of the festive fireworks. This place is ideal for those who want to see the most spectacular display. We recommend arriving early, as a large audience is expected here.
2. Pavlov Park (Moskovsky District) A green and cozy park in the Moskovsky District is suitable for family recreation. The spacious area will allow you to comfortably settle in and enjoy the colorful show.
3. Drozdy Reservoir Embankment The picturesque embankment in the Drozdy microdistrict is an excellent choice for those who want to admire the fireworks against the backdrop of the water. This location promises stunning views and atmospheric photos.
4. Hugo Chávez Park (Frunzensky District) Located in the Frunzensky District, this park will be a convenient venue for local residents. All necessary arrangements for safe and comfortable viewing will be organized here.
5. Area by the “Chizhovka-Arena” The spacious territory near the “Chizhovka-Arena” is perfect for large groups. A considerable number of spectators are expected here, so it’s worth securing your spot in advance.
6. By the National Library of Belarus The area by the iconic building of the National Library will be one of the most photogenic spots to watch the fireworks. Fireworks against the backdrop of this architectural masterpiece promise unforgettable impressions.

All venues will be equipped with the necessary facilities, and law enforcement officers will ensure safety and order.

Victory Day Celebration Program in Minsk

Victory Day in Minsk will be full of events that start in the morning and end with the evening fireworks. Here are the main events scheduled for 9 May 2025:

• Military parade and theatrical performance “We Will Live” At 18:00, at the “Minsk – Hero City” obelisk on Masherov Avenue, the military parade will begin. According to Olga Chemodanova, Head of the Main Department of Ideological Work and Youth Affairs of the Minsk City Executive Committee, the parade will be more extensive than in previous years. About 4,000 military personnel will participate, including representatives from Russia, China, and CIS countries, as well as 24 parade units. For the first time, dog handlers with dogs will take part in the parade. After the parade, spectators will enjoy a theatrical show combining historical and modern motifs.
• Concert “80 Years of Victory” At 12:00, at the Sports Palace on Pobediteley Avenue, a concert program dedicated to the anniversary of Victory will begin. This event will be part of the mass festivities unfolding at the city’s main venues.
• Immersive show “Living History” From 12:00 to 19:00, in the Upper Town on Freedom Square, there will be an interactive performance that immerses guests in the atmosphere of post-war Belarus. This show is perfect for those who want to feel the spirit of the era more deeply.
• Gala concerts in the Upper Town At 17:30, on Freedom Square, the gala concert of the stage project “We Are True to Our Memory” will begin, and at 19:30, the “Khoroshki” dance ensemble will perform. These events will bring bright emotions and a festive mood.
• Gala concert “The Great Victory” At 21:30, on October Square, a grand concert featuring honored artists of Belarus will take place. This event will be the culmination of the evening program before the fireworks launch.
• Events at the “Stalin Line” On 9 and 10 May, the historical and cultural complex “Stalin Line” will host festive concerts and a reenactment of the “Berlin Operation” battle. For guests’ convenience, a bus route No. 948E “Minsk – Stalin Line” will operate from 09:00 to 19:00. Fare ranges from 1 to 4 rubles, children under 7 years old ride for free.

Practical Tips for Spectators

To make your celebration comfortable, pay attention to the following recommendations:

• Traffic restrictions On 9 May from 14:00, several streets in central Minsk will be closed, including Masherov Avenue (from Daumana Street to Timiryazeva Street) and Pobediteley Avenue (from Melnikayte Street to Ignatenko Street). Parking will be prohibited in several locations, such as Masherov Avenue, Kanatny Lane, and the area around Komsomolskoye Lake. Plan your route in advance, considering that public transport will operate until the end of the festivities.
• Safety and comfort Law enforcement officers will be on duty at all fireworks locations, and venues will be equipped with the necessary facilities. Bring warm clothing, as it may be cool in the evening, and comfortable shoes for walking.
• How to get there City transport will be adapted to the holiday schedule so that spectators can easily reach the fireworks venues. If you plan to visit central locations, use the metro or buses to avoid traffic jams.

Additional Activities on 9 May

In addition to the main events, many other activities will take place in Minsk and its surroundings:

• Exhibition at the Botanical Garden From 10:00 to 22:00, at the Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, there will be themed photo zones, an exhibition of military vehicles, demonstration of service dog skills, and a field kitchen with porridge tasting. Don’t miss the new Japanese-style zone—an ideal spot for photos.
• Live Butterfly Exhibition “Fluttering Flowers” In Minsk (18 K. Turovsky Street) and Brest (54 Sovetskaya Street), from 11:00 to 19:00, you can visit the butterfly exhibition featuring rare species, including Guinness World Record holders. Ticket prices range from 13 to 18 rubles.
• Ice Cream and Sweets Museum From 11:00 to 20:00 in Minsk, an interactive tour will be open where you can learn about the history of ice cream, taste different varieties, and attend master classes. Admission starts at 13 rubles.
• Exhibition “The Real Cat Hermitage” At 131 Dzerzhinsky Avenue, from 11:00 to 20:00, an exhibition dedicated to cats with exhibits from 107 countries is open. Ticket prices are 10–15 rubles, and the “Cats Are People Too” tour costs 50–90 rubles.

Why You Should See the Fireworks in Minsk

The festive fireworks on 9 May will be the culmination of Victory Day, uniting residents and guests of Minsk in honoring the great feat. Six locations allow you to choose the most convenient spot for viewing, and the rich program of events will make this day unforgettable.

Conclusion

Victory Day on 9 May 2025 in Minsk will be a bright and memorable event that unites everyone in honoring the great feat. Fireworks at six locations, a military parade, concerts, and immersive shows will create an atmosphere of pride and celebration. Choose a convenient venue for watching the fireworks, plan your day according to the packed program, and enjoy this important day with family and friends. May the sky above Minsk be lit with brilliant colors in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory!