Celebrations of Písek's Liberation by the US Army 2026

The 81st anniversary celebrations of the liberation of the Písek region by the US Army take place from May 6 to 16, 2026, featuring four days of programming at various locations throughout the region. The event is organized by BUDDIES of the 4th Armored Division Písek & SVORNOST in cooperation with JEEP Club South Bohemia, Lidmovice Volunteer Fire Brigade, and Indian Motorcycle Riders Group – First Czech.

The programme begins on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 PM at the Monument on Vostřák in Chlaponic, where participants commemorate the first contact with Americans and the surrender of the German garrison. On the same day at 6:00 PM, the liberation celebration continues at the Monument to the 4th Armored Division U.S. Army in front of T. G. Masaryk Elementary School in Písek.

On Friday, May 8 – known as "Otava Day" – a display of historical military vehicles begins at 10:30 AM, followed at 11:30 AM by a solemn ceremony commemorating the meeting of two allied armies, both held in the grounds of the State Stud Farm in Písek. At 1:30 PM, the programme moves to Podolský Bridge in Temešvár, the easternmost point of the American advance in the Písek region.

On Saturday, May 9, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM at the U Vodáka location in Písek, visitors can see a display of a period Allied post at the demarcation line.

The highlight of the entire celebration is Saturday, May 16: Captain Huston's Convoy – a parade of historical American vehicles – departs at 10:30 AM from Velké Nepodřice, passes through Zátaví and Skočice, and arrives in Lidmovice. From 2:00 PM at the local monument and then on the village green, a solemn ceremony, vehicle exhibition, period camp, and live music take place.