West Hollywood will celebrate its Russian-speaking community with events from Saturday, May 7 to Sunday, May 15. Each year, West Hollywood’s Russian Advisory Board holds events focusing on Russian heritage and culture.

The 71st anniversary of Victory in Europe Day will be commemorated on Saturday, May 7 at 11 a.m. at Fiesta Hall in Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. The ceremony honors Russian-speaking community members who are World War II veterans of the Soviet military and who have contributed socially, culturally and civically to West Hollywood. Victory in Europe Day, generally known as V-E Day, was the public holiday celebrated on May 8, 1945 to mark Allied forces’ formal acceptance of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, which marked the end of World War II in Europe. Admission to the V-E Day ceremony is free and open to the public.

The 15th annual Russian Arts and Culture Festival will be on Sunday, May 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Plummer Park. The festival includes family events, entertainment, music, food vendors, Russian crafts and jewelry, and displays by local exhibitors. The annual children’s concert runs from noon to 2:30 p.m., and the annual gala concert will be from 5 to 7 p.m.

The festival also includes the 11th annual Russian Community Awards at 4 p.m. at Plummer Park. The West Hollywood Russian Advisory Board will present four awards to individuals, businesses and organizations making a positive impact on members of the Russian-speaking community in West Hollywood and the surrounding area.

According to a 2013 survey, 3,872 West Hollywood residents identify themselves as coming from a region of the former Soviet Union, representing approximately 11 percent of the city’s population. Additional Russian cultural events will be held from May 7-15 at venues throughout the city. For a schedule and information, call (323)848-6826, or visit www.weho.org/russian.