Stalingrad Victory Day
February 2 · Level 6 · #1006 of 2238
This Russian day of military glory commemorates the Soviet victory in the Battle of Stalingrad, which ended on 2 February 1943. It honours the city's defenders and remembers civilians caught in one of the Second World War's most devastating battles.
How it is celebrated: people lay flowers at memorials and attend remembrance ceremonies, museum events and history lessons. Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd is a major gathering place.
The surrender happened in stages. Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus was captured on 31 January, but the northern pocket held out until 2 February.