Slovak National Uprising (SNP) 81st Anniversary Celebrations – as usual in Banská Bystrica – with rich programme of main and side events

Following last year's nationwide Slovak National Uprising (SNP) 80th Anniversary Celebrations, the Ministry of Defence, the SVK Government Office and other co-organisers have joined forces to prepare the celebrations of the 81st anniversary of this major landmark in modern Slovak history, and so Banská Bystrica will be bustling with a rich and varied mix of socio-cultural events, activities and attractions on Friday 29 August 2025.

This year, too, the Ministry of Defence's priority is to keep this tradition going, while seeing to it that the Slovak National Uprising celebrations remain dignified and commensurate to the Uprising's historical significance, with the participation of the widest possible public audience. The SNP Museum in Banská Bystrica – whose 70th anniversary is being observed this year – has had an irreplaceable role in cultivating this historical legacy to resonate with generations of all ages.

In a statement on the national event, Ms Karin Silberhorn, Director of the Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence's Office, said: “This year’s celebrations will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the SNP Museum’s establishment. As with this year’s Victory in Europe (VE) 80 celebrations in Piešťany, the Institute of Military History is preparing an SNP Exhibition Tent for the public, with authentic WWII photographs and documentaries on view, among other things.”

During the celebrations, it will be possible for visitors to see the information stands of government ministries and their organisations – where they will get the chance to try out different hands-on activities. Aside from the SNP Exhibition Tent, there will be static displays from the collections of historical re-enactment clubs. Visitors will also be able to get up close to modern tactical vehicles and equipment in service with the Armed Forces. SVK military personnel from across all branches of the Armed Forces will be involved.

The SNP Memorial Wreath-Laying Ceremony starts at 10:00 and will be broadcast live on STVR and on LED screens in the park below the SNP Memorial, as will the official ceremonial programme with speeches from keynote speakers, combined with cultural performances. Starting from 13:00, musical and cultural performers will appear on stage to delight the audience with their performances. At 14:00, some 400 Basic Military Training (BMT) graduates will be there to swear the Oath of Allegiance in front of their families and members of the public.

Ms Karin Silberhorn went on to add: “We also have some surprises for visitors. In the afternoon, they can look forward to a host of live concerts. Throughout the day, there will be food stalls, drinking water refill points, and a range of attractions delivering entertainment for all. As was the case last year, people will go through security checks before entering the viewing area.”

To keep the public up to date with all the goings-on in the city during the anniversary celebrations, the Ministry of Defence is launching an information campaign with the aim of presenting the upcoming celebrations and bringing the SNP's historic significance back into focus. As preparations are now underway for the national event, the MOD is closely liaising with its partners – the SVK Government Office, SVK President's Office, Banská Bystrica City Council, SNP Museum, and other ministries.

The full programme of the SNP 81 celebrations, other useful information on visitor safety and security, traffic restrictions, and our visitors' map will be available on the MOD website under the “SNP 81” section.

Media representatives wishing to cover the SNP 81 celebrations in person need to register via the media accreditation form available on the MOD website under the “SNP 81” - Media section. This MOD subpage is continuously updated with content.