Prague to honor 56th anniversary of Warsaw Pact invasion with concerts, videomapping

As Prague prepares to mark the 56th anniversary of the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia, a series of videomapping displays, concerts, and events are set to take place starting on the evening of Aug. 20.

The “My 68” government campaign, commemorating the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia, will kick off tonight with the projection of the slogan “Go home, Ivan! Go home, Russia!” on the Straka Academy, the seat of the Czech government.

The campaign, managed by the Government Office’s strategic communication section, was organized in collaboration with the Foundation for Ukraine, which is behind the Gift for Putin fundraising initiative to support Ukrainian defense efforts.

The campaign, led by graphic designer Jozef Dobrik, aims to evoke empathy and understanding by presenting personal stories from 1968. The campaign highlights the ongoing relevance of historical events and the value of freedom in the face of foreign aggression. A day-long streaming event will cover the anniversary.

"The invasion was a formative experience for every citizen of Czechoslovakia, and for decades to come, normalization deeply affected the entire society. To this day, we carry it in our collective memory as something defining. The invasion of foreign troops shows how fragile freedom is. Especially if it is conditioned by a foreign aggressive regime," said the government coordinator for strategic communication Otakar Foltýn.

On Aug. 21, the NeverMore 68 event at the Exhibition Center will host a day of reflection and cultural engagement, featuring exhibitions, debates, and performances that explore the impact of the 1968 invasion and its relevance today.

The program will feature a range of exhibitions and activities, including debates on “Disinformation in Today’s World” hosted by the Institute of Independent Journalism. Music performances will include indie-rock band I Love You Honey Bunny and the group Tamara. Ester Valtrová will perform 1960s music.

The lineup also includes a debate on the impact of digital platforms on media and offers an interactive game where visitors can distinguish between real and AI-generated historical photos.

Gulag.cz will provide augmented and virtual reality experiences related to political imprisonment, and Lunchmeat will present an immersive audiovisual guide covering the year from January 1968 to January 1969. 

The event will also feature a food zone with various vendors and a music stage with performances throughout the evening. Admission is free, and the event runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala will attend a ceremony on Wednesday that marks the 56th anniversary of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia. The event will take place in front of the Czech Radio building.

The commemorative event, held annually to honor the victims of the attack, will also include the participation of other prominent figures. Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil and Deputy Speaker Jiří Drahoš of the Mayors and Independents will be present.

Following the ceremony, Pavel will attend a special screening of Waves in the garden of the Government Office. The film, directed by Jiří Mádl, is based on the true story of a group of journalists from Czechoslovak Radio who risked their lives to provide independent news during the crucial moments of the invasion in August 1968.

The cabinet will also commemorate the anniversary of the invasion by holding a screening of the film during their first meeting after the holidays. Pavel has accepted an invitation to the evening event, where he will be joined by the film's director.

"We are honored to have Pavel join us for this special screening of Waves," said Mádll. "It is important to remember the bravery and determination of those who fought to bring independent news during such a critical moment in history,” he added.

Waves serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the invasion and the importance of a free press in a democratic society, the director said. This week's commemoration is a symbol of unity and remembrance for the Czech people, Fiala also noted.