On May 9, Cyprus hosted large-scale commemorative and festive events dedicated to the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Flower-laying ceremonies at World War II memorials were held in all major cities of the island. In Nicosia, the heads of the diplomatic missions of Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, China and Cuba in Cyprus laid wreaths at the Monument to the Fallen in World War II. Next, the All-Cyprus motor rally started, which was led by the Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Murat Zyazikov. Columns of cars decorated with tricolours and Victory symbols headed to Limassol, the central venue of the festive events.

The main event of the evening was the march of thousands of the “Immortal Regiment”. Russian compatriots, Cypriots, and immigrants from other countries – more than 12,000 people in total – carried portraits of their relatives along the city’s embankment – participants in the Great Patriotic War, veterans, home front workers, and all those who, at the cost of incredible efforts, brought Victory closer. The flags of Russia, Greece, Cyprus and the CIS countries were flying above the column. The Russian ambassador carried the Russian flag and a photograph of Magomet Ismailovich Zyazikov, who defended Malgobek, a city of military glory located in Ingushetia and one of the most important frontiers of the North Caucasus, from the Nazi invaders during the war.

After the end of the campaign, a big festive concert was held. Opening the festive program, Murat Zyazikov in his welcoming speech emphasized the enduring importance of the Great Victory, noting the decisive contribution of the Soviet Union to the liberation of mankind from fascism. He noted that attempts to review the results of the Second World War and abandon political and diplomatic methods of resolving international conflicts pose a serious threat to global stability and security. He expressed gratitude to the residents of Cyprus for their respectful attitude towards the common historical memory and active participation in commemorative events dedicated to the anniversary of the Victory.

The concert was decorated with a performance by the Nizhny Novgorod Provincial Orchestra, which was already beloved by the Cypriot public, which presented the audience with a vibrant musical program filled with works of the war years, patriotic compositions and the atmosphere of a truly national holiday.

The staff of the Russian Embassy in Cyprus expresses its sincere gratitude to all those who assisted in organizing and holding the festive events, as well as to all those who shared this great and sacred day with us.