This book contributes to the discussion about the instrumental use of history. It
analyses two examples of public festivities related to the events and legacy of the final
stage of World War II. The first of these commemoration events is the Liberation Festival
in Pilsen, a public event celebrating the liberation of Pilsen in 1945. The second
event is the celebration of the Slovak National Uprising anniversary, held annually
in Bansk Bystrica. The analysis focuses on the manner in which public commemorations
of historical events are used and instrumentalised by contemporary political
elites. Prior to the political and social relevance of the analysed events, the narratives
they produce are transcending into the cultural and commercial spheres.