Tanks in Moscow: Russian capital parade rehearsal

The Victory Day parade, commemorating the 71th anniversary of the defeat of the Nazis, will commence on Red Square in Moscow on 9th May at 10am Moscow time.

Traditionally three rehearsals of the parade are held in Moscow. Tanks and armored vehicles move down Tverskaya Street straight to Red Square.

Last year’s parade, commemorating the 70th anniversary, was noted for its scale and the unveiling of new military hardware.

This year spectators will not see that much new equipment, but the Russian Defense Ministry has announced few highlights. One of them will be the first ever march of a company of active servicewomen on Red Square in front of veterans and dignitaries. A total of 10,000 military personnel will take part in the 143rd military parade on Red Square this year.

Victory Day or 9 May marks the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War. It was first celebrated in 15 Soviet republics after the adoption of the surrender document on May 8, 1945.

The Soviet government announced the victory early on 9 May after the signing ceremony in Berlin. The holiday became a non-labour day only in 1965 and only in some of the countries. It is celebrated to commemorate the 28 000 000 (according to different estimates) children, parents, spouses and friends killed in Soviet Union during the World War II.

Muscovites and tourists have a chance to see the latest military vehicles on their way to Red Square from 6pm on the day of each rehearsal. This year rehearsals were held on 28th April and 5th May, and the final one will be on 7th May.