Russians consider the Victory Day to be the holiday for everyone, not only for veterans. On May 9th they are going to participate in celebrations, to go to the countryside and to watch the fireworks.
MOSCOW, May 4, 2012. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data concerning the attitudes of Russians about the Victory Day (May 9): whether they think this day is a national holiday or a holiday for veterans; what their attitudes towards the cancellation of the Victory Day military parade are.
The Victory Day remains to be a national holiday (90%). Those who share this position are mainly elderly Russians (95%), residents of both capitals (93%) and rural area (94%).
Only 9% of Russians consider this day a holiday for veterans: basically young respondents – (15%), residents of million-cities and middle cities (12% for each), respondents with low level of education (12%).
The overwhelming majority of Russians oppose the cancellation of military parade on May 9th (91%), as they think this is a good tradition. This point of view is mainly shared by residents of small cities and rural area (93% for each), rarer – by Russians living in million-cities (87%). Only 7% support the idea because they think this is a way to save money and help people in need: the share of such respondents is a little bit more among those with low level of income (10%).
A relative majority of Russians are going to participate in the May 9 celebrations (37%). Respondents also choose going to the countryside, watching fireworks (28% for each), watching TV (26%), inviting guests or visiting friends (25%). Least of Russians would spend time doing household activities (13%), at dachas (12%), or working (6%), going to restaurants and cinemas et cet. (2% for each).
Residents of small cities and rural area are going to participate in celebrations (44-46%). Rural area residents often watch TV on this day (30%). Muscovites and St.Petersburgians are planning to receive guests (41%), to spend time in the countryside (35%), or watch fireworks (47%).
Young Russians prefer going to the countryside (44%); elderly respondents opt for watching TV (40%).
The initiative Russian opinion polls were conducted April 21-22, 2012. 1600 respondents were interviewed at 138 sampling points in 46 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.
Do you support the statement that the May 9 military parade should be canceled, and money saved should be spent for urgent needs? (close-ended question, one answer) | |||||||
| Total respondents | Moscow and St.Petersburg | Million-cities | More than 500 thousand | 100-500 thousand | Less than 100 thousand | Rural area |
Yes, I do. Military parade is boring; this decision could help many people in need; this is a holiday for veterans, not for us | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
No, I do not. Military parade is a good tradition which perpetuates the main and the greatest victory of our country. This is why it should be observed. | 91 | 91 | 87 | 91 | 91 | 93 | 93 |
Hard to tell | 2 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
In your opinion, the Victory day (May 9) is…? (close-ended question, one answer) | ||
| 2010 | 2012 |
Holiday for everyone | 90 | 90 |
Holiday only for veterans | 8 | 9 |
Hard to tell | 2 | 1 |
In your opinion, the Victory day (May 9) is…? (close-ended question, one answer) | ||||||
| Total respondents | Aged 18-24 | Aged 25-34 | Aged 35-44 | Aged 45-59 | Aged 60 and more |
Holiday for everyone | 90 | 83 | 87 | 90 | 93 | 95 |
Holiday only for veterans | 9 | 15 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 |
Hard to tell | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
How are you going to spend the Victory Day? ((close-ended question, any number of answers) | ||||||
| Total respondents | Aged 18-24 | Aged 25-34 | Aged 35-44 | Aged 45-59 | Aged 60 and more |
I will take part in celebrations (parade, wreath-laying ceremony, procession and others) | 37 | 38 | 33 | 35 | 39 | 39 |
I will have guests; I will visit my friends | 25 | 19 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 28 |
I will be busy at my dacha | 12 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 17 | 16 |
I will be walk, go to the countryside (picnic, barbecue) | 28 | 44 | 37 | 33 | 21 | 13 |
I will do my household chores | 13 | 6 | 11 | 11 | 15 | 17 |
I will go to restaurant, club, discotheque | 2 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
I will watch TV | 26 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 29 | 40 |
I will go to cinema, theatre to the concert | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
I will watch fireworks | 28 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 31 | 21 |
I will be working | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 3 |
Other | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Hard to tell | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!