Victory over Fascism Day in Slovakia commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, the liberation of Slovak lands, and the sacrifices of both Slovak partisans and Allied soldiers. Established after WWII, it continues today as a reminder of the nation's struggle for freedom, democracy, and resistance to totalitarianism.

When is Victory over Fascism Day?

Victory over Fascism Day is celebrated every year on May 8.

The following is the list of Victory over Fascism Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Victory over Fascism Day?

After the breakup of Czechoslovakia in March 1939, Slovakia became a Nazi client state under Jozef Tiso, aligned with Hitler's Germany.

Many Slovaks resisted fascism, leading to the Slovak National Uprising on August 29, 1944, when partisans and resistance fighters rose against the pro-Nazi regime. Although the uprising was suppressed, it became a powerful symbol of Slovak resistance and national pride.

In the spring of 1945, advancing Soviet and Romanian troops, together with Slovak partisans, liberated Slovak territory from Nazi control.

On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allies, ending World War II in Europe. For Slovakia, this day marked freedom from fascist occupation and the collapse of the collaborationist regime.

After the war, May 8 was commemorated as Victory Day, honoring the Allied victory and the sacrifices made during the war.

During the socialist period of Czechoslovakia (1948–1989), the holiday was emphasized as a celebration of liberation by the Soviet Red Army, with large parades and state ceremonies.

After the Velvet Revolution (1989) and the independence of Slovakia (1993), the holiday was maintained but given broader meaning: honoring not only Soviet soldiers but also Slovak partisans, Allied forces, and all who resisted fascism.

Today, May 8 is celebrated in Slovakia as Victory over Fascism Day (Deň víťazstva nad fašizmom), a public holiday dedicated to remembering the end of WWII, the defeat of Nazism, and the sacrifices of Slovak resistance fighters.