Prague Celebrates Freedom and Democracy on 17 November with More Than 160 Events

With an extensive cultural programme, numerous discussions, exhibitions and activities for families, Prague will commemorate the events of the Velvet Revolution on 17 November. The traditional highlight of the celebrations is ‘Modlitba pro Martu’, which this year will be accompanied by a theatrical performance for the first time.

To mark the national holiday, the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy, the association ‘Díky, že můžem’ will transform Prague’s Národní třída into a vibrant hub of culture and community for the 13th time. With more than 160 events, visitors can look forward to a particularly extensive programme this year.

At the heart of this year’s celebrations are three significant anniversaries: the 90th anniversary of the birth of former Czech President Václav Havel, the arrival of the Vietnamese community in Czechoslovakia 70 years ago, and the tenth anniversary of the death of Olympic champion Věra Čáslavská.

Photo: Korzo Národní

This year’s motto, ‘Let’s not stand on the sidelines. Democracy depends on each and every one of us’ (Nezůstávejme stranou. Demokracie stojí na každém z nás.), serves as a reminder of the importance of personal commitment to freedom and democracy.

‘Trust in Czech society has been declining for a long time. Not only in our country but also in the world around us, we are witnessing threats to democracy. Democracy is fragile and requires the continuous efforts of each and every one of us,’ explains Bára Stárek, Executive Director of the association ‘Díky, že můžem’.

National Anthem and Traditional ‘Modlitba pro Martu’

The programme on Národní třída begins at 10:00 and runs until 20:00, with selected events continuing until 22:00. Families with children, in particular, can explore the numerous exhibitions and installations at their leisure during the morning.

At 13:00, the Czech national anthem will be performed on Národní třída by members of the Czech Radio Children’s Choir.

Photo: Korzo Národní

One of the emotional highlights of the celebrations traditionally follows at 17:11. ‘Modlitba pro Martu’ (Prayer for Marta), one of the musical symbols of the Velvet Revolution of 1989, will be performed from the balcony of the Metro Palace.

For the first time this year, the song will form part of a theatrical performance. The premiere of the so-called Window Performance ‘DŮM VŠECH’ (House for All) begins at 17:00. Czech Television and Czech Radio will broadcast the song live. Visitors can also follow the entire commemorative ceremony on large screens in front of the Máj department store and at the corner of Voršilská and Národní streets.

90 Years of Václav Havel

Particular attention will be paid this year to former Czech President and playwright Václav Havel, the 90th anniversary of whose birth fell in October.

The traditional ‘Václav Havel’s Living Room’ (Obývák Václava Havla) will take place at the Platýz Palace for the first time under the title ‘Pro Vaška’ (For Vašek). Among other participants, actors Vojtěch Vondráček and Taťjana Medvecká will read texts written about Havel by other authors.

Photo: Archiv Pavel Šťastný

A light installation by artist Karolína Schulzová also explores ideas from Havel’s well-known essay ‘The Power of the Powerless’. As part of another interactive installation entitled ‘The Future of Hope’, visitors can leave their own thoughts, messages and wishes.

70 Years of the Vietnamese Community in the Czech Republic

The first Vietnamese people arrived in Czechoslovakia 70 years ago under an intergovernmental agreement. Today, they constitute the third-largest foreign population group in the Czech Republic. An intergenerational panel discussion and a lecture will explore the history and life of the Vietnamese community within Czech society.

Sport and Politics

Another key theme of this year’s Korzo Národní is the close relationship between sport and politics. To mark the tenth anniversary of the death of multiple Olympic champion Věra Čáslavská, the programme explores her sporting and political legacy. Lectures and a live recording of the ‘Outsider’ podcast examine the tensions between sport, political propaganda and personal freedom.

Photo: Korzo Národní | Prague Daily News

A Diverse Programme for All Generations

Alongside historical topics, this year’s Korzo Národní also addresses current societal challenges. These include the radicalisation of society, manipulation through imagery and the development of institutional care for children and young people since the Velvet Revolution.

The all-day programme includes panel discussions, live podcasts, readings, concerts, exhibitions and educational activities. Further highlights include the traditional charity brunch ‘Sametový brunch’, the new literary space ‘Na půdě’ and the ‘TAHÁK’ installation for families with children.

The full programme of events is available on the official Korzo Národní website.

Concert for the Future: Koncert pro budoucnost

Another highlight is the Concert for the Future (Koncert pro budoucnost). It commemorates democratic values, freedom and the legacy of the Velvet Revolution. The concert begins at 16:36 on Wenceslas Square – the very place where the final downfall of the communist regime began 37 years ago.

Photo: Koncert pro budoucnost

Nazi Violence Against Czech Students in 1939

However, 17 November commemorates more than just the events of 1989. Exactly 50 years earlier, following the closure of all Czech universities, more than a thousand students and university lecturers were arrested by the Nazis; nine student leaders were executed.

Every year, numerous students and lecturers gather at Albertov in Prague 2 to commemorate these events and celebrate International Students’ Day.