Don’t Miss the Grand Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Ostrava’s Liberation
At the end of this April, we will mark the 80th anniversary of the Ostrava–Opava operation, which led to the liberation of Ostrava from German occupation. This was one of the last major battles of World War II on the European continent. To commemorate this significant historical milestone, the city of Ostrava, together with the regional military command, military history clubs, and other partners, has organized a festive program on Saturday, April 26, 2025, offering a wide range of activities for all ages.
Battle demonstration as part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Ostrava ten years ago.
The Event:
The official festivities will begin at the Slezskoostravský Castle, where visitors can enjoy a rich accompanying program until 9 PM. Highlights include an exhibition of wartime weaponry and equipment, expert lectures with projections, and various interesting discussions. The Ostrava municipal police dog unit will also demonstrate the perfect teamwork between man and dog. Additionally, the Czech prison service will present its service dog training and equipment.
The area around the castle will showcase military camps representing all sides of the "Battle of Ostrava" along with heavy military equipment, including tanks and armored vehicles. There will also be a German medical station, a Russian Cossack display, and even a shooting range for children. Other attractions include a Czech Army tent, city police and fire services displays, a field post office, an exhibition of vintage bicycles, a children’s machine gun station, and a historical photo booth.
Main Attraction:
The highlight of the program will be a reenactment battle between the Czechoslovak foreign army, the Red Army, and the defending Wehrmacht. This dramatic demonstration, with the use of military vehicles, will take place on the banks of the Ostravice River between 3 and 4 PM.
Music and Performances:
The day will also feature live concerts and theater performances. The lineup includes DJ SRP + PAUL SAXO, LEWIS CRAUEN BAND, Martin Chodúr, and the ROCK 'N' ROLL BAND MARCELA WOODMANNA. The ENTENTÝKY theater group will also perform for children.
For more details, visit the event website: https://osvobozeni.ostrava.cz.
Safety First:
Due to the nature of the event, including war reenactments with heavy machinery and pyrotechnics, we ask all visitors to follow safety rules and stay within the designated public areas. Drones are strictly prohibited in the event area.
Traffic Information:
To ensure the safety of visitors during the battle reenactment, local traffic will be temporarily restricted. There will be a full closure of Havlíčkovo Square for motor vehicles from the Miloš Sýkora Bridge to the Hradní Bridge near Slezskoostravský Castle. Pedestrians will not be affected.
Join Us and Capture the Moment:
The 80th anniversary celebrations on April 26th will be full of exciting activities for everyone. We invite attendees to share the experience through photos and videos, which will be featured on the city's official channels and social media.
We look forward to seeing you at Slezskoostravský Castle and along the Ostravice River!