Joint Press Release of the Lidice Memorial, the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes, and the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, dated 21 January 2026
The Lidice Memorial, the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes (ÚSTR), and the Faculty of Arts of Charles University (FF UK) invite interested individuals to take part in the 21st edition of the knowledge competition Lidice for the 21st Century, which commemorates the victims of Nazi brutality and preserves the memory of the tragic events of June 1942. Registration for participants will open on 22 January 2026 and is open to everyone who wishes to become part of the educational programme. The Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes (ÚSTR) serves as the expert guarantor of the competition, prepares educational programmes, and connects commemorative remembrance with historical reflection. The aim is to help participants understand the tragedy of the past and its significance for contemporary democracy. The competition Lidice for the 21st Century is held under the personal patronage of Petra Pecková, Governor of the Central Bohemian Region, as well as under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic.
Lidice for the 21st Century – A Reminder of Courage and Human Values
“Lidice for the 21st Century” builds on a long-standing tradition of commemorating human values, courage, and resistance to injustice. It is named after the village of Lidice, which was destroyed by the Nazis on 10 June 1942 as an act of reprisal following the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich. The memory of the victims and the heroism of the survivors became a symbol of resistance to totalitarianism and a reminder that freedom cannot be taken for granted. This now well-established knowledge competition is intended for children and young people from around the world aged 10–19. Its aim is to contribute to preserving the memory of the citizens of the Central Bohemian village of Lidice, murdered by the Nazis in 1942, and to deepen the knowledge of the youngest generation about historical events related to the Second World War, the Nazi regime, other totalitarian regimes of the 20th century, and the transformation of Lidice’s post-war legacy.
Support of the Central Bohemian Region and the Governor
The knowledge competition is held under the personal patronage of the Governor of the Central Bohemian Region, Petra Pecková:
“Today’s international situation once again shows that freedom, peace, and human rights require active care. The competition Lidice for the 21st Century helps the younger generation understand historical contexts and form their own civic opinions — and this is precisely what I consider extremely important. That is why I am pleased that the Central Bohemian Region can support this initiative.”
The Central Bohemian Region is involved in the project not only through formal patronage, but also through active support: it helps increase the visibility of the competition among schools and young people, cooperates in its promotion, and provides organisational and logistical support through regional educational and cultural institutions. Thanks to this cooperation, participants can gain not only new historical knowledge, but also experience and inspiration for active civic engagement.
As emphasised by Kamila Varaďová, Director of the competition:
“The competition Lidice for the 21st Century is an opportunity not only to remember the tragedy of the past, but also to pass on the values of tolerance and civic responsibility to the younger generation. Registration on 22 January enables all interested participants to become part of this important connection between historical memory and active civic education of young people.”
Education and Historical Memory
“Each edition of the competition reminds us that democracy and freedom are not a given. The programme we prepare together with the Lidice Memorial and the Faculty of Arts of Charles University connects commemorative remembrance with education and personal reflection, enabling participants to understand the broader historical context,” said Ladislav Kudrna, Director of the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes.
Since its establishment in 2006, more than 38,000 participants have taken part in the Lidice competition, addressing topics of resistance, human courage, and the memory of victims of totalitarian regimes. Previous editions have also included participants from abroad, making the competition an important platform for connecting education, history, and civic engagement.
Michal Stehlík of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University adds:
“The Faculty of Arts has long been involved in this event and sees its value primarily in reaching new generations, especially at a time when many topics connected with the experience of the Protectorate are being reinterpreted in today’s world.”
“The Lidice Memorial and the competition Lidice for the 21st Century help the younger generation understand history, develop civic responsibility, and preserve national memory,” concluded Jan Holovský, Director of the Department of Museums and Galleries of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.
Award Ceremony and Registration
The ceremonial announcement of the competition results will take place on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, at the Congress Centre of the Gallery of the Central Bohemian Region in Kutná Hora. In the presence of distinguished guests, the winners of individual categories will be honoured. Interested participants may register via the official website www.lidice21.cz.
