15/11/2024
It's a Czech holiday this Sunday
This public holiday is always celebrated on 17 November in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The Twentieth century was a tumultuous time for both these countries. Indeed, until 1993 they were both part of the same country - Czechoslovakia.
During that time, they had to endure occupation by the Nazis during World War II and following that, the country was under communist rule until 1989.
During both regimes, it was students who lead protests and this day essentially celebrates the political role of students. 17 November is sometimes referred to as World Students Day.
The date of 17 November commemorates the 1939 Nazi storming of the University of Prague following demonstrations against the occupation of Czechoslovakia. It led to the execution of nine student leaders and over 1200 students were sent to concentration camps.
In 1989 a memorial march to mark the 50th anniversary of the student revolt was organized. In the following days, protests grew into non-violent strikes at first involving students and later all citizens of Czechoslovakia. This became known as the Velvet Revolution and marked the beginning to the end of the communist regime in the country.
As is the case every year, Prague’s Národní Street will be closed off on Sunday to allow people and organizations to celebrate the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day.
Known as Korzo Národní, the event includes a procession, concerts, debates, theater, and exhibitions along Národní třída. Highlights include the premiere of Freedom Unites Us, a film blending archival and animated footage, projected throughout the evening, and Anna Fialová’s performance of Prayer for Martha at the symbolic time of 5:11 p.m.
