Slovak National Uprising (SNP) 82nd Anniversary Celebrations to blend solemn remembrance with rich programme of entertainment for entire families

Banská Bystrica will play host to the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) 82nd Anniversary Celebrations on 29 August 2026. The Slovak Ministry of Defence is delighted to be working with other partners to stage a dignified yet still engaging programme – one that will blend the solemn and respectful commemoration of our SNP heroes with a varied programme of the Slovak Armed Forces’ capability displays and demonstrations, cultural performances, and side events for entire families.

The Ministry of Defence has made continuity in building the tradition of solemn and sombre SNP celebrations its priority this year too, to reflect the significance of the event as one of the most important milestones in our modern history. With the engagement of the widest possible public, the aim is to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all those who stood up against the Nazis in Slovakia’s WW2 Resistance and fought for the freedom of our homeland.

Starting from 09:00 am, Banská Bystrica’s Park below the SNP Memorial will open to members of the public. The Official Wreath Laying Ceremony at the SNP Memorial will be held at 10:00 am, with the participation of the State’s highest constitutional representatives and foreign dignitaries. The ceremony will be broadcast live across the nation on the STVR, as will the official programme on the main stage with speeches from keynote speakers and cultural performances from a cast of performers.

Then at 14:00 pm, a real highlight of the anniversary celebrations will be an Oath of Allegiance Ceremony, in which approx. 500 trainee soldiers will join the Slovak Armed Forces as they embark on their military careers. Through this symbolic link between the swearing of the Oath of Allegiance and the SNP anniversary, the MOD has ensured that the legacy of the SNP-era soldiers who fought for the freedom and future of Slovakia 82 years ago is carried forward respectfully.

All-day programme for families

Throughout the day, visitors can expect an extensive programme, both on the main stage and across the SNP Museum grounds. This will feature a debut show from the Jánošík Military Folklore Ensemble (VUS) Zvolen, a musical repertoire from the Military Band Banská Bystrica, and a tribute performance from the Bratislava City Choir. 

Visitors can also look forward to the shows by the SVK Armed Forces Guard of Honour and the SVK Presidential Guard of Honour. In addition, there will be ceremonial flypasts from Slovak Air Force aircraft, static and dynamic displays of military and police assets, a mix of hand-to-hand combat fighting styles, a presentation of dog-handling techniques from the Military Police (MP) Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers, as well as mission demonstrations by Army engineers, logisticians and medics.

Another traditional must-see will be reenactments by historical reenactment clubs, which will allow visitors to soak up the atmosphere of the 1944 Slovak National Uprising through period camps as well as displays of historic vehicles, weaponry and equipment. And more side events have been prepared with the support from other departments and ministries.

There will also be a showcase of the organisations working under the MOD’s remit with stands from the SNP Museum, General Milan Rastislav Štefánik Armed Forces Academy Liptovský Mikuláš, Military Forests and Estates, Institute of Military History, Military Police, and others. Not to be missed by any fan of sports is the celebrity autograph signing session by athletes of the Dukla Military Sports Centre Banská Bystrica, who are among Slovakia’s most successful representatives.

The Ministry of Defence is intensively cooperating with all co-organisers and participating entities involved in the preparation and organisation of the SNP 82 celebrations, including with the SVK Government Office, the Office of the President of the Slovak Republic, the SNP Museum, Banská Bystrica City Council, and other departments and ministries.

The complete programme of the SNP 82 celebrations as well as practical information on visitor safety and security, temporary changes to the regular city transport schedule, and a local area map will be available on the SVK MOD website.

Traffic and parking restrictions

The event organisers are alerting local residents and visitors to temporary traffic and parking restrictions due to the preparation and organisation of the celebrations. As early as from 23 August, the parking area at the Road Traffic District Inspectorate on Štefánik Embankment will be closed, and the construction of the main stage will commence in the Park below the SNP Memorial.

From 17:00 pm on Friday 28 August and throughout the national holiday on 29 August, several road and parking closures will be in place around the SNP Museum and Memorial. Therefore, visitors are advised to use the free regular shuttle buses, which will operate to and from the venue at approx. 15-minute intervals from 08:00 am on 29 August, on the route from Banská Bystrica Railway Station through the city centre to the Park and Ride (P+R) sites.

Local residents and visitors to the event are advised to arrive well in advance, as those entering the viewing area will be subject to security checks, including baggage searches, to keep everyone safe.

The Ministry of Defence is pleased to invite you to join us for the SNP 82nd Anniversary Celebrations in Banská Bystrica on 29 August 2026. Together, let's make this a celebration to remember!