Dear tourists and guests of the “Bagration” hotel in Saint Petersburg, dear children and relatives of veterans, esteemed military personnel, servicemen, and those who have worn the military uniform, fulfilling their duty to the Motherland! The most significant and respected holiday in our country is approaching — Defender of the Fatherland Day. This is a day when we pay tribute and express our gratitude to those who have stood and continue to stand on the guard of our Motherland. On our part, we have prepared a special offer for the guests of the hotel, “The Main Holiday of February – Defender of the Fatherland Day.” We will be happy to see you during these festive days.
February 23rd is not just a date on the calendar; it is a symbol of courage, bravery, and patriotism. The history of this holiday dates back to 1918 when the Day of the Red Army was first celebrated. Since then, much has changed, but the essence remains the same — this is the day when we honor those who defended and continue to defend our Motherland.
Saint Petersburg on February 23rd
Saint Petersburg, a city with a rich military history, celebrates this day especially solemnly. Here, on the banks of the Neva, every corner of the city is marked by milestones of our country’s military history. On this day, the city is filled with a special atmosphere: parades, rallies, concerts, and thematic events take place throughout the city.
Saint Petersburg offers many ways to celebrate this holiday with dignity. You can visit military-historical museums and exhibitions that tell about the feats of our ancestors. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit memorials and monuments, which are symbols of the heroism and resilience of the Russian people.
Places of Military Glory in Saint Petersburg
Visiting places of military glory in Saint Petersburg is not only a tribute to history but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the significance and scale of the feats accomplished in the past. Here are some of the most significant places of military glory in the city:
Cruiser “Aurora”
A symbol of the October Revolution of 1917, this legendary cruiser has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. You can visit it to learn about the history of the ship and its role in the country’s history.
Peter and Paul Fortress
This is where the history of Saint Petersburg began. The fortress played a key role in the defense of the city for centuries and was also used as a prison for political prisoners.
Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad at the Piskaryov Memorial Cemetery
This cemetery holds the remains of more than half a million residents and defenders of Leningrad. It is a symbol of the city’s grief and heroism.
Memorial “Broken Ring” on the Road of Life
This memorial is dedicated to the road along which food and people were transported during the blockade of Leningrad. It reminds us of how important every step was in the fight for life.
Military-Historical Museums of Saint Petersburg
During the celebration of February 23rd, you can also visit a number of military-historical museums, each of which is unique and interesting in its own way. These museums not only allow you to learn more about Russia’s military history but also to touch historical relics, see personal items of those who participated in military events, and feel the atmosphere of past eras. Here are some well-known military-historical museums in Saint Petersburg:
Central Naval Museum
One of the oldest museums in Russia, it has a unique collection of items related to the history of the Russian Navy.
Artillery Museum
The museum has an extensive collection of artillery weapons, ranging from medieval times to the present. Here, you can see both ancient cannons and modern military equipment.
Museum of the Defense and Blockade of Leningrad
This museum is dedicated to one of the most tragic chapters in the history of Saint Petersburg — the 900-day blockade of the city during the Great Patriotic War.
Museum of Military Medicine
This museum presents the history of military medicine and pharmacy, as well as the role of medical personnel during wars and conflicts.
Museum of Political History of Russia
While not strictly a military museum, it contains exhibits related to the military history of the country, including the period of the Great Patriotic War.
Fort Konstantin
Part of the Kronstadt fortress system, it is a unique example of military architecture and the history of defensive structures.
СFireworks on February 23rd
At exactly 9:00 PM Moscow time, the city is enveloped in magic: the sky above the Neva will light up with countless sparks. The thunderous blasts from the artillery pieces, fired with honor and skill by the servicemen of the Western Military District, break the silence, and then the sky will be illuminated by hundreds of fiery blossoms, soaring upwards and sparkling in the dark.
This spectacle is unique not only for its beauty but also for the location from which it begins. In the heart of Saint Petersburg, at the walls of the Naryshkin Bastion of the famous Peter and Paul Fortress, the launchers are set up. Here, where history meets the present, military units of the Russian Armed Forces launch fireworks and salutes into the sky, reminding everyone of the glory and heroism of the past.
The fireworks are visible from many points in the city, but many seek the best spots to witness the magnificence as closely as possible. Among the most popular viewing points are the Palace Embankment, where the city’s history comes alive in every stone; the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island, offering panoramic views; the upper steps of the Stock Exchange building, where the entire beauty of the Neva unfolds before you; the Palace and Trinity bridges — perfect for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the magic of the fireworks; and the Admiralty and English embankments, where everyone can find their ideal spot for viewing.
The Modern Significance of the Holiday
Today, February 23rd is not only a day for the military but also a holiday for all men in Russia, symbolizing courage and strength. It is an opportunity to show respect not only to the servicemen but also to all men who work tirelessly every day for the well-being and safety of their families and the country.
Dear guests, spend this day in a way that will fill you with warmth and respect for those who have defended and continue to defend our Motherland. May every moment in Saint Petersburg be filled with special meaning, and may the evening end in the warm and friendly atmosphere of our “Bagration” hotel. Happy Defender of the Fatherland Day to all!
