Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

Quick Facts

AKA Name	Boje za svobodu a demokracii
ℹ HashtagsCompiled on03:30	#Democracy
Related Hashtags	#VelvetRevolution, #Czech, #Freedom
2023 Date	17 November 2023
2024 Date	17 November 2024

2023 Holidays & Dates

		EU Country Common Holidays
		EU Country National Holidays
		Christian Holidays
		Jewish Holidays

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (CZE/SVK) in 2023

Friday, 17 Nov

Days to go:

Czechoslovakia Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the people who fought for the freedom of speech and democracy in Czechoslovakia. The observance pays tribute to the efforts of students and citizens who staged mass protests and strikes against the communist regime. These events eventually led to the Velvet Revolution and the end of authoritarian rule in the country. The day also highlights the importance of democracy, freedom, and human rights in the countries that emerged from Czechoslovakia, namely the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The roots of this day trace back to November 17, 1939, when Nazi Germany brutally suppressed a student uprising in Czechoslovakia. Half a century later, on November 17, 1989, students in Prague organized a peaceful march that turned into a large-scale movement against the communist government. These historical events played a crucial role in shaping the democratic values of today's European Union. The solidarity of the citizens of Czechoslovakia inspired other nations in Central and Eastern Europe to also rise against their oppressive regimes.

Concerts, exhibitions, and public speeches are organized to remember the historic 1989 events and draw attention to the importance of fundamental rights in contemporary Europe. Educators and community leaders also organize events that encourage young people to learn about the history of their country and the importance of active citizenship. The observance takes place annually on November 17th.

Top facts about Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

17 November is also International Students' Day or World Students' Day in commemoration of the same event that saw nine professors and students executed and the higher education system shut down.
Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day is also celebrated in Slovakia.
More than a thousand of the university students were sent to concentration camps.
The demonstration originally on 15 November resulted in the death of a student name Jan Opletal who was shot in the stomach and later died. His funeral procession turned into a larger demonstration on the 17th which resulted in the executions and closing of institutions.
The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage. - Thucydides, ancient Greek historian and general