Preparations for the Liberation Festival in Pilsen are at their peak, starting on Friday, May 2

Preparations for the Liberation Festival, which will take place from 2 to 6 May, are at their peak in Pilsen. The events associated with the liberation of the West Bohemian capital by the American army will be commemorated by a varied military-historical programme and a unique atmosphere will be evoked by dozens of musical groups and performers on four stages in the city centre. There is also a rich accompanying and experiential programme. This year, 200 guests from the United States of America and Belgium will not miss the Liberation celebrations. And for the first time, the King of Belgium will visit Pilsen. The event will require traffic and security measures.

"Prestigious guests headed by His Majesty the King of the Belgians, an American veteran and two Czech veterans, thousands of enthusiasts in period uniforms, an extraordinary programme of military history clubs, unusual musical experiences, a programme for children, the much-loved Convoy of Freedom and the commemorative act on 6 May as a symbolic end of the Freedom Celebration. This and much more will be on offer at this year's Liberation Celebrations. I cordially invite you to come and enjoy them," said Mayor Roman Zarzycký.

In Pilsen, for example, the American Evacuation Hospital will be presented for the first time, with its parts such as the laboratory, patient ward, sterilization, pre-operative or operating tent. "This is an exceptional project of world importance, involving 50 reenactors from all over Europe and the USA, who together will bring to life a specific 109th evacuation hospital of the US Army," said Emanuela Weiss, chairwoman of the Army Nurse Corps. She pointed out original artifacts ranging from small personal items to original field and walking uniforms to medical equipment. They will be on display as part of an accompanying exhibit.

More than three dozen musical ensembles and individuals from a variety of musical genres will join an exceptionally rich program of military history and Army history clubs. Visitors can look forward to swing bands, contemporary music stars, as well as original groups. The main stage will be Republic Square throughout the Freedom Festival. The main musical productions, including the opening ceremony, will take place here. The LIBÉ RTY Stage in Kopecký Sady will offer a unique zone full of culture, music and inspiration that celebrates freedom and reminds us of its value. The 40's Stage in Proluka in Křižík Sady will transport visitors to the atmosphere of the summer of 1945 with stylish period entertainment. In addition to jazz, swing and folklore, there will be space for a dance floor, shows of period fashion and uniforms. The Folk & Country Stage in the amphitheatre behind the OC Pilsen Plaza will present the best Pilsen and regional bands.

Unusual festival experiences
Music will not escape the courtyard in the DEPO2015 creative zone, where the first edition of the Republican Freedom America Civilian Car Convention will take place on Saturday, May 3. The rarest pieces, mainly from the 50s to 70s, will be in the former bus hall. Noteworthy examples include the Hudson Hornet Twin H Power in two-tone paint (1952), Pontiac Laurentian (1960), Cadillac De Ville convertible (1958) and Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu (1967), and the public will be transported to the atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s in the USA. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy pin-up beauties in retro dresses, Native American dancing, on-stage discussions with fans and vintage car owners, and a contest for the loudest exhaust and best car. A kids' zone and refreshments are included.

The Freedom Festival is an experiential festival for the whole family. On Saturday, May 3, ladies can get a 1945-style haircut for 50 CZK at the Beauty Salon in the Nava arcade on náměstí Republiky. The scene in Proluka will offer period fashion shows or a wedding ceremony demonstration, and there will also be a swing dance party.

The phenomenon of the Festival of Freedom has also attracted the attention of the experience portal www.firmanazazitky.cz, which offers other opportunities for enjoyment in Pilsen and its surroundings.

For the children's visitors of the Freedom Festival, Tereza Marianová, the author of a new illustrated book for children about the liberation of Pilsen by the American army called Allies, has prepared an interactive, entertaining and educational trail for children and their parents, inspired by this book. The trail has ten stops and an epilogue, and like the book, it is richly illustrated and encourages any further questions. It will be available to walk from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 May in Smetana Gardens and a little surprise awaits all those who complete the tasks and reach the finish line. They can also buy the book and get it signed by the author. Military history clubs are also preparing a programme for children in their camps, where children can learn about the lives of soldiers, medics and civilians in Pilsen in 1945 in an attractive way.

A new feature is the Czech Television Cinema Café, which offers an artistic and relaxation zone in the building of the Town Hall.From Friday to Sunday, viewers will be able to watch a number of documentaries, editing programmes and feature films produced or co-produced by Czech Television.The dramaturgical aim of the selection is primarily to recall the joy of the end of the horrors of the Second World War, but the films are also a powerful memento of how fragile a period of peace can be and the irreplaceable place of solidarity and heroism in our history.Sunday evening will be a preview of a new documentary by Czech Television, which was produced with the support of the City of Pilsen and the Pilsen Region.The adventurous and hitherto unknown story of the Pilsen Uprising and the liberation of the city by the troops of General G. S. Patton's 3rd American Army is presented in a new documentary by screenwriter and director Pavel Jirásek.Under the title Plzeň speaks, free Plzeň speaks... it will be broadcast by CT2 on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 at 20:55.
"As the axis of the nearly hour-long film about the situation in Pilsen, I chose the almost forgotten story of Dr. Karel Šindler, a resistance fighter and former radio operator, who with his group occupied a German radio station, where he held out despite German attacks and from where he broadcast throughout the Pilsen Uprising.Not only did he pass on information, but he also complicated the situation for the occupiers by broadcasting disinformation, especially regarding the number of insurgents and their armaments.He himself said after the war that he had probably saved the lives of several thousand Pilseners by this broadcasting. I was very excited about this, as a person connected with the media.It shows that the struggle for liberation was not just about guns and shooting," reflects Pavel Jirásek, the film's writer and director.

Distinguished guests of the Freedom Celebration
Harry Humason, 99 years old, is coming from the United States to attend the Pilsen liberation celebrations, returning to the Czech Republic for the first time since 1945. Harry Humason served in the 5th Infantry Division of the United States Army.
Also on the agenda is the participation of Czechoslovak veterans, namely Lt. Gen. Ing.Miloslav Masopust and others who are expected to attend the main memorial at the Thanks, America! monument on May 6.

The visit of King Philippe of Belgium was reported on the website of the Royal Belgian Palace in mid-April.His visit to the Czech Republic was also confirmed by the Office of the President of the Republic.According to information from the Belgian side, the King will visit the Czech Republic on 5 and 6 May to take part in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen. "He will take part in the celebrations of the liberation of Pilsen - one of the few Czech cities that was not liberated by Soviet troops, but by the 3rd American Army with the support of the 17th Belgian Rifle Battalion.This volunteer unit, formed in January 1945 - just after the liberation of Belgium - distinguished itself alongside US troops at the very end of World War II, pushing the Nazi occupiers hundreds of kilometres back into German and Czechoslovak territory," the Belgian side said of the programme.About 200 family members of American and Belgian veterans will also come to Pilsen, for whom a special programme has been prepared, including the unveiling of a new memorial to the 97th Infantry Division and the announcement of the General Patton Scholarship.

The Freedom Celebration has received the patronage of the President of the Czech Republic, the Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the Minister of Regional Development of the Czech Republic, the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in the Czech Republic, and the Embassy of the United States of America in the Czech Republic.

Transport and security measures
During the Festival of Freedom there will be limited traffic in the centre of Pilsen. The organisers advise visitors to park on the outskirts of the city and travel by public transport, which will be free on Saturday and Sunday.Harry Humason served in the 5th Infantry Division of the United States Army.Also on the agenda is the participation of Czechoslovak veterans, namely Lt. Gen. Ing.Miloslav Masopust and others who are expected to attend the main memorial at the Thanks, America! monument on May 6.