Memorial ceremony - lighting a bonfire on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising

29. august 2025

The celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising in our village were carried out in the spirit of remembrance of the women and men who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Together, in cooperation with members of our Volunteer Fire Department Bystričany, we laid wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes in the grounds of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Bystričany and at the monument to fallen heroes in the Vieska cemetery. Next, the participants set off on a traditional climb to the Vtáčnik mountain range, where not only citizens of our village but also of the surrounding villages met at the top of our highest hill. After the demanding climb, the participants of the climb met on the football field, where they rested together and refreshed themselves with a delicious goulash prepared.
The mayor of the village later honored the oldest and youngest participants in the climb.

The evening was followed by a ceremonial lighting of a bonfire dedicated to the heroes of the SNP. Burning a bonfire on the occasion of the anniversary of the SNP is a traditional and symbolic way to commemorate this significant historical event in Slovakia. Let us constantly remind ourselves that peace and freedom were not born easily, but required many sacrifices from among the best sons and daughters of our nation.

"Let's protect peace, it was born with difficulty." (direct participant in the SNP battles, Vladimír Strmeň)

You can view photos from the memorial ceremony on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising in the PHOTO GALLERY .