Presidential Library tells about fireworks of besieged Leningrad

There are days and events that leave a lasting impression on our minds. One such day was January 27, 1944, for the people of Leningrad. We can read about what happened in the city during this time in the issues of the January 1944 edition of the Leningradskaya Pravda newspaper, which is available on the Presidential Library's portal.

On this day, an order was issued to the troops of the Leningrad Front announcing the complete liberation of Leningrad from the enemy's siege and barbaric artillery attacks, as reported by the newspaper Leningradskaya Pravda on January 28, 1944.

One could learn about the mood of Leningrad citizens from short remarks, snatches of conversation at tram stops, and, of course, the loudspeakers at busy intersections. Life in Nevsky Avenue did not stop for a moment. Trucks raced by, pedestrians hurried along. The announcer's voice "unintentionally regulated the movement" as people listened to him and paused.

"Today at 19:45, please listen to an important message from Leningrad," said the January 27th loudspeaker. And soon, everyone found out: "As a result of the fighting, a historic task has been accomplished; the city of Leningrad has been fully liberated from enemy siege and barbaric artillery attacks."

On January 27th, at 20:00, in commemoration of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the Nazi siege, the city celebrated with 24 salutes from 324 cannons. The rumbling echo of the explosions rolled over the snow-covered streets and squares of the city, echoing off the majestic buildings.

The rockets illuminated the evening sky with thousands of colorful lights, painting the spire of the Admiralty and the dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral, as well as the huge palaces and embankments along the Neva. Leningrad residents joyfully greeted their liberators, the Soviet soldiers, as they welcomed them with cheers and applause.

The residents of the city watched in awe as a new and unusual "symphony of festive lights" unfolded in the sky. The sky, free from enemy aircraft, was filled with the bright swords of searchlights, colorful garlands of fireworks, and intricate patterns of firework explosions.

A magnificent sight could be seen far beyond the city. The soldiers, who continued to liberate Leningrad from the enemies, also saw the fireworks. The radio broadcasted the voice of jubilant Leningrad throughout our vast country. All Soviet people and all soldiers on the front lines of the Great Patriotic War celebrated with joy and pride on the day of the great celebration of the city of Russian glory - Leningrad.

During the fireworks, the monument to Alexander Suvorov, the soldier-commander, was illuminated with dazzling light. He, having drawn his sword, stood here, on the Field of Mars, during the years of the blockade. The monument took all the attacks in the face, it was not removed or buried.

The victory salute thundered, and then there was silence. This was a deafening and joyous silence that the city had not known since August 1941. "Victory," wrote the Leningradskaya Pravda newspaper on January 29, 1944, in its issue.

On the portal of the Presidential Library, visitors can view the multimedia exhibition Salute over the Neva. January 27, 1944. 20:00, which was created for the upcoming anniversary of the full liberation of Leningrad from Nazi siege.