May 8th marks one of the most significant dates in both Czech and European history: the end of World War II in Europe in 1945.
On this day, we commemorate the official surrender of Nazi Germany, which came into effect on May 8th at 11:01 PM Central European Time. It is recognized as the official end of the war in many Western countries, including the Czech Republic.
Why Is It Called Victory Day?
In the past, the holiday was known as Liberation Day or Day of Liberation from Fascism, and it used to be celebrated on May 9th, especially in countries that were part of the former Soviet Union. The reason for this difference lies in time zones: while the surrender took effect on May 8th in Western Europe, it was already May 9th in Moscow.
The German Instrument of Surrender was signed in Reims, France by General Alfred Jodl and later confirmed in Berlin by other military leaders from both the Allied and Axis sides.
Although the majority of German forces surrendered by midnight on May 8th, some areas in what is now the Czech Republic were still under Nazi control, and fighting continued for a few more days.
The Prague Uprising and the Final Battles
The Prague Uprising, a civilian resistance movement, lasted until May 9th, when Soviet tanks from the 1st Ukrainian Front entered the city and pushed out the remaining German troops.
Surprisingly, one of the last larger battles of WWII in Europe happened on May 12th near the town of Milín, in Central Bohemia. German soldiers were trying to flee westward to surrender to American forces, leading to clashes with the Red Army.
The War Wasn’t Over Everywhere
While Europe was celebrating peace, fighting continued in Asia. The war ended months later with the surrender of Japan, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan officially surrendered on September 2nd, 1945, a date recognized as Victory Day in the United States.
World War II lasted six years and claimed an estimated 60 million lives, two-thirds of which were civilians.
Are Shops Open on May 8th?
No – most large shops are closed on May 8th in the Czech Republic due to the public holiday law. This applies to retail spaces over 200 square meters. However, gas stations, pharmacies, and shops at airports or train stations remain open.
Some shopping malls allow smaller stores to stay open, and you can also use delivery services for grocery shopping on that day.
