Prague Supports 17 November Commemorations with 700,000 Crowns

The City of Prague is providing a total of 700,000 crowns for events marking 17 November. The money will be used to support the traditional commemorations of the Velvet Revolution and finance additional security measures.

Prague City Council has decided to provide financial support to two associations dedicated to commemorating the events of 17 November 1989 and promoting democratic values and civic engagement. The association Díky, že můžem will receive 300,000 crowns, while a further 400,000 crowns will go to Nerudný fest. The funds will come from Prague's municipal budget for 2026.

At the same time, city councillors criticised the Czech government's decision to end financial support for organisations that arrange events marking the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution.

More Funding for Security and Dignified Commemorations

The two associations receiving funding are among the main organisers of the annual commemorative events in Prague. Díky, že můžem organises, among other events, the traditional Korzo Národní street festival on Národní třída. Nerudný fest, an association established in 2008, organises the Koncert pro budoucnost (Koncert pro budoucnost), one of the central events on Wenceslas Square.

"The capital has been supporting the associations that organise the 17 November commemorations for a long time. We have now decided to increase the financial support," said Prague Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček. The additional funds would mainly be used for security measures to ensure that the events could take place peacefully and with dignity.

Photo: Koncert pro budoucnost

Prague City Leadership Criticises Government Decision

Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda emphasised the historical significance of 17 November. He said he belonged to a generation that had personally experienced what it meant to live in a country without freedom of expression. At that time, people could lose their jobs, educational opportunities or even their personal freedom because of their beliefs.

For him, 17 November was therefore much more than a historical day of remembrance. It was a reminder of the courage of those who had stood up against oppression, as well as the responsibility of subsequent generations.

"Democracy and freedom are not an inheritance we can take for granted. They are the responsibility of every new generation," Svoboda said. Prague was therefore supporting this year's commemorative events not only financially, but also out of a fundamental conviction.

Foto: Korzo Národní | Prague Daily News

Strong Public Solidarity

After Culture Minister Oto Klempíř announced that the state would not provide financial support for the events, a major wave of public solidarity followed. A fundraising appeal launched to ensure that the 17 November commemorations could still take place raised around nine million crowns.

"We did not expect such a wave of solidarity and thank everyone for it from the bottom of our hearts. At the same time, we feel a great responsibility towards everyone who has decided to support us. We therefore want to communicate transparently how we will use the donated funds," the organisers stated on their website.

17 November Commemorates Two Historical Events

17 November is a public holiday in the Czech Republic, commemorating both the student protests against the Nazi occupation in 1939 and the beginning of the Velvet Revolution in 1989, which led to the end of communist rule in what was then Czechoslovakia.

Foto: Korzo Národní | Prague Daily News

This year marks the 37th anniversary of the events of November 1989. Prague City Hall regards its support for the commemorative events as an important contribution to strengthening civil society.

At the same time, the City Council appealed to all participants to show mutual consideration during the events on 17 November, so that the Velvet Revolution can be commemorated in a peaceful and dignified atmosphere.