To mark the 220ᵉ anniversary of the Battle of Austerlitz, one of the most significant episodes of the First Empire, South Moravia will be hosting, from 28 to 30 November 2025, a vast historical re-enactment bringing together nearly 1,800 participants from some twenty European countries and beyond.
A truly European event for living history enthusiasts, this commemoration will shed light on a key moment in the continent's destiny.
Austerlitz, 1805: a major turning point in European history
The 2nd December 1805, The French troops won a decisive victory against the Russian and Austrian armies on the Pratzen plateau.
This battle, known as the “Battle of the Three Emperors”, left a deep mark on European history and remains a symbol of military and political strategy.
Contemporary commemorations offer a unique opportunity to revisit the past, understand the issues and pass on the memory to new generations.
Austerlitz 2025: a major international event
The re-enactments will take place around Tvarožnáthe Mont Santon, of Prace and the Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz), emblematic battlefield sites. The programme includes
- a monumental reconstruction over an area of approximately 250 × 400 metres;
- the mobilisation of nearly 100 horses and 16 to 20 artillery pieces ;
- the participation of 1,500 to 1,800 restorers from fifteen to twenty countries; ;
- historical ceremonies, including those in Žuráň, on the battlefield under the Santon and at the Peace Monument in Prace.
The highlight of the event will be a large-scale reconstruction of the Saturday 29 November will plunge the public into the heart of the famous confrontation, with infantry manoeuvres, cavalry movements and artillery fire.
Who is behind the event?
The 2025 edition is part of the «Austerlitz Project» (Project Austerlitz), which has been coordinating the major commemorations of the battle for many years.
For this anniversary year, the event is being prepared:
- by the Central European Napoleonic Society (Středoevropská napoleonská společnost),
- by municipalities of Tvarožná and Prace,
- and by the association Austerlitz z.s.,
while the production of the event is provided by the company AusterlitzPro s.r.o.
The 2025 edition also benefits from under the patronage of the Governor of the South Moravian Region, Jan Grolich, as well as the French Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Stéphane Crouzat, who have agreed to support this celebration of Europe's historic heritage.
Regional tourist offices, in particular Tourist Authority South Moravia, Finally, they are also relaying the event to the general public, incorporating it into the region's major cultural highlights.
The European Federation of Napoleonic Cities represented by two of its members
A number of European towns committed to promoting Napoleonic heritage are taking part this year. Among them are two members of the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities (FECN) will be present, illustrating the involvement and diversity of the municipalities in the network.
Coudekerque-Branche: the Vandamme Brigade brings history to life
The association Vandamme Brigade, based in Coudekerque-Branche, will represent the 43ᵉ regiment of line infantry.
Since 1997, its members have been working to pass on the history of the First Empire with rigour and passion, recalling the regiment's career and its roots in the North. During the Boulogne camp, and then in the 1805 campaign, the 43ᵉ regiment was integrated into Marshal Soult's 4ᵉ corps, responsible for capturing the Pratzen plateau on the morning of 2 December 1805.
By dressing up in period uniforms, the re-enactors are also paying tribute to the General Louis Thévenet, Born in Dunkirk on 25 November 1773. A valued officer, he took over command of a unit near Mont Santon after the death of Colonel Castex, before later returning to the North, where he became mayor of Coudekerque-Branche and then mayor of Dunkirk.
At the same time as the re-enactment in South Moravia, a tribute will be paid to General Thévenet at the Dunkirk cemetery on Sunday 30 November 2025, with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and the exceptional presentation of a 13ᵉ light shako associated with its history.
Pontivy: a representative committed to re-enactment
Pontivy, another member of the FECN, will also be present with a representative of the city taking part directly in the reconstruction. As an integral part of the historic manoeuvres planned on the battlefield, it helps to bring Napoleonic history to life alongside enthusiasts from all over Europe.
This participation reinforces Pontivy's attachment to its imperial heritage and illustrates the town's ongoing investment in promoting Napoleonic heritage.
When history brings Europe together
These commemorations bring European history to life in the heart of South Moravia.
The Austerlitz 2025 event, supported by the Austerlitz Project and local Czech players, brings together re-enactors, enthusiasts and local authorities from all over Europe.
The presence of passionate European Federation of Napoleonic Cities, along with many other towns and associations, is a reminder of the extent to which the Napoleonic heritage continues to unite, teach and inspire passion across countries and generations.
A powerful moment of sharing, remembrance and transmission.
Practical information
Event title International re-enactment of the 220ᵉ anniversary of the Battle of Austerlitz: a major European place of remembrance
Date 28 and 30 November 2025
Location: Tvarožná and de Prace and Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz)
For further information: https://www.austerlitz.org/fr/austerlitz-2025-levenement-commemoratif-du-220e-anniversaire-de-la-bataille-des-trois-empereurs-aura-lieu-du-28-au-30-novembre/