1) The cultural program moves from Republic Square to the park behind Plaza
This year, the main music program will take you to the amphitheater behind the Plaza shopping center. The opening concert of the celebrations will offer an extraordinary musical experience. The Pilsen Philharmonic will perform famous film melodies by John Williams, legendary marches, and popular musical hits. Saturday will feature quality tribute bands, while Sunday will be dedicated to bluegrass and country. More about the music program…
2) There will definitely be a convoy
One of the biggest staples and main attractions of the entire program remains. The popular convoy of historic military vehicles will pass through the city again this year, commemorating the arrival of the American army in Pilsen in May 1945. Come and enjoy the atmosphere that you won't experience anywhere else. The convoy will set off on Sunday, May 3, at 11 a.m. from Sukova Street and will travel along Klatovská Avenue to the Pětatřicátníků Gardens and Tyršova Street. Due to the reconstruction of Republic Square, it is necessary to skip the traditional finish of the convoy at Republic Square.
3) Military historical camps will also be present
Authentic military encampments are among the strongest experiences of the entire celebrations. You can look forward to period uniforms, equipment, and everyday life of soldiers from World War II. In Křižík's Gardens, you can look forward to the camp of the 16th Armored Division. Camp Raiders will settle in Pobřežní Street opposite the Patton Museum. In the park behind Plaza, you can expect RAF camps and the Czechoslovak Independent Armored Brigade camp on Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and after the convoy on Sunday.
4) Veteran Joseph Thurmond will also arrive
This year's edition will once again offer unique personal meetings with a veteran. One-hundred-year-old veteran Joseph Thurmond is returning to the places where he served in southwestern Bohemia after the end of World War II, nearly 80 years later. The Freedom Celebrations are one of the stops on this commemorative journey he is undertaking with his son Michael. Their ten-day journey will take them not only to Pilsen and Prague but also to Český Krumlov, Rožmberk nad Vltavou, Střelské Hoštice, Horažďovice, Rabí, Sušice, and Klatovy.
5) Run for Memory of the Nation and Libé rty Stage
A traditional part of the Freedom Celebrations is the Run for Memory of the Nation. This time, it will take place on Friday, May 1. You can choose between a 5 or 10 km route. There will also be a kilometer run with the families of veterans and children's runs. You can register here. Memory of the Nation is also preparing a one-day, primarily musical program at its Libé rty Stage, which will be located in front of Lokál Pod Divadlem.
6) Hurvínek's Path will delight families with children
The youngest visitors will also have their fun. Not only will they be able to view jeeps and other historical military equipment, but there will also be Hurvínek's Path prepared for them. Just pick up a playing card at the Puppet Museum and set off along the path on Bedřich Smetana Street to Smetanovy Sady. Along the path, you will find a total of ten panels with quiz questions, and successful answerers will receive a reward at the Puppet Museum.
7) Beats of Liberty will resonate on the waterfront
The diverse program of the Freedom Celebrations also considers the younger generation. Just for them, an event called Beats of Liberty is prepared for Saturday afternoon and evening at the waterfront on the Radbuza River. During the eight-hour program, nine local DJs will perform, ensuring a great atmosphere by one of Pilsen's rivers.
8) Celebrations also take place outside Pilsen
The Freedom Celebrations are not just about Pilsen. At the end of April, commemorative events are planned throughout the region. Don't miss the opening of the Hangar 3 museum at the airport in Líní on Saturday, May 2. You will see previously unexhibited aircraft, an exhibition about Pilsen pilots in the RAF, and an exhibition of USAAF jeeps. There will also be a creative workshop with an aviation surprise for children. The second invitation to the region goes to Rokycany, where a colorful program is planned at the Museum on the Demarcation Line on Friday, May 8, where there will be military equipment, music, and a fashion show.
9) Take home a themed souvenir
You can purchase a special collection of souvenirs for the Freedom Celebrations at the Visit Pilsen information centers at Republic Square (daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and at Paluba Hamburg near the main train station (on Sunday only until 3 p.m.). The information center booth will also be in the amphitheater behind Plaza, where it will be open according to the program on the main cultural stage.
10) Convertibles at DEPO2015
For the second time during the Freedom Celebrations, DEPO2015 will host a gathering of American car enthusiasts – this year, primarily convertibles will be on display. On Saturday, May 2, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere, the roar of V8 engines, music from vinyl records, and the smell of burgers on the grill. Admission is free.
And a few more tips to conclude
· Slow Market at U Branky on Friday, May 1 (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
· Farmers' Market at U Branky on Saturday, May 2 (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
· Retro hair salon for ladies in the NAVA passage on Saturday, May 2 (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
· Linden of Freedom at the U Matoušů farm (Museum in Nature Pilsen - Bolevec) on Saturday, May 2 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
· Steam locomotive Šlechtična at the Freedom Celebrations (timetable here)
· Guided tours of the city center “Liberation 1945” (tickets here)
In addition to all this, of course, add the strong atmosphere, tens of thousands of visitors, and the unique connection of history with the present. The Freedom Celebrations in Pilsen are among the largest events of their kind in Europe and are definitely worth being part of this year.
