Astana Prepares for Grand Military Parade Honoring 80th Victory Anniversary, Live Broadcast Planned

Astana is preparing to host one of the year’s most anticipated events — a massive military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Victory. The celebration, set for May 7 at 11:00 a.m. on Independence Square near the Qazaq Eli monument, promises to be a spectacle of military precision, tradition, and national pride, Orda.kz reports.

More than 4,000 servicemen, over 200 pieces of military equipment, and 66 aircraft and helicopters from the country’s frontline, army, and military transport aviation will take part in the event. For the first time, more than 200 female servicemembers will join the ranks.

The Ministry of Defense has announced that the parade will be broadcast live on national TV channels, on LED screens across Kazakhstan, and on the ministry’s official YouTube channel. 

Filming will be handled by the TV and Radio Complex of the President of Kazakhstan. Local authorities have promised strengthened security and control measures on the day of the event. 

After the parade, cities will host celebratory concerts.

Inside the Final Rehearsals

Soldiers are housed in large, heated army tents, some still equipped with 1937-era stoves once used during the Great Patriotic War. Inside, bunk beds, mess tins, bookshelves, and shoe dryers make up their temporary home as they complete the final stage of preparation.

Daily life at the camp is highly disciplined. Mornings start with uniform inspections and personal grooming, followed by six hours of marching drills. After each rehearsal march, soldiers get 15-minute breaks before returning to formation.

Female servicemembers are housed separately in nearby apartment buildings.

Meals are simple but high in calories, with no special treatment between ranks — elite units and conscripts alike eat the same hot soup, meat dishes, and sweet tea. As Chief of Staff Tabyldy Isaliyev puts it, “If pea soup is on the menu, everyone eats pea soup.”

Precision Down to The Centimeter

Rehearsals are run with full immersion: announcers call out commands, simulate the presidential speech, and oversee timing to the second. Soldiers are trained to hold formation for up to eight minutes to synchronize perfectly with the future broadcast. Instructors monitor performance down to centimeters, ensuring exact alignment.

During rehearsals, it’s been noted repeatedly that the women show exceptionally high discipline, with many urged to follow their example.

Some units will march in the parade with brand-new weapons. The machine guns, still wrapped in protective film, will only be unsealed right before the final dress rehearsal. Until then, they’re kept securely locked in metal containers, issued to personnel only before marching and collected again immediately afterward.

Some participants will carry battle flags from the Great Patriotic War, while others will wear historical uniforms meticulously recreated by historians. The event will feature both mechanized columns and aviation flyovers, with the procession divided into three main stages.

These are two black Lincoln Town Car convertibles used exclusively for military parades. On May 7, Defense Minister Ruslan Jaqsylyqov will ride one of the cars, inspecting the formation before joining the President to receive the parade officially.

Rehearsal Days and Road Closures

Final dress rehearsals are scheduled for May 3 and 5 at Qazaq Eli Square, with soldiers in full ceremonial uniform. Authorities have announced temporary road closures and pedestrian restrictions on May 3, 4, and 7.

While Astana hosts the central parade, cities like Almaty will hold parallel patriotic events. On May 9, Almaty will organize the “Batyrlarga Tagzym” (“Tribute to the Heroes”) march, a local version of the famous “Immortal Regiment” tribute.

Original Authors: Olga Ibrayeva, Natalia Ovchinnikova