On Nov. 17, the Czech Republic observes a significant national holiday, honoring both the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy and International Student Day. This date holds special significance as it marks the 34th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution.
This holiday grants many people in Czechia a day off work and offers the chance to visit various public institutions without charge. Unlike typical national holidays, however, Nov. 17 doesn't entail store closures, although operating hours might be altered.
Why is this day significant?
The Czechs commemorate this day due to the pivotal events that unfolded on Nov. 17, 1989. It all commenced with a demonstration in Prague led by a sizable group of students. Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 students congregated at the Slavín cemetery in Vyšehrad, paying homage to the slain student Jan Opletal, a victim of Nazi oppression, and celebrating World Students’ Day.
These events and the subsequent widespread protests became known as the Velvet Revolution, eventually culminating in the overthrow of the communist party and ushering in a new era in Czechoslovakia's history.
Stores
According to Czech law, both small and large stores and supermarkets do not need to close on Nov. 17. This is the last public holiday of 2023 when all stores can remain open.
With Christmas just over a month away and some Black Friday deals already in place, several stores anticipate high numbers of visitors coming through their doors on Friday.
Representatives of large retail chains such as Globus and Penny Market have confirmed that they will operate the same opening hours as usual. Grocery-delivery services as well as food-delivery operators will also be working as normal.
Commemorations
Prague will see several outdoor tributes and commemorations to mark the Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy. A free event primarily organized by students in the district of Albertov, Prague 2, will include choirs, speeches by representatives of universities and students, as well as talks by historians and columnists. It gets underway at 10 a.m. on Friday and lasts until the mid-afternoon.
The main event will take place on Prague’s Národní trída, which will see a public parade commemorating Nov. 17, which will last the entirety of the day. Part of the Czech Freedom Festival, the event will host live podcasts, debates, concerts, exhibitions, performances at the X10 theater, and also feature the traditional Havel Living Room event. The day will include the Prayer for Martha accompanied by live projection mapping.
Starting at 10 a.m., the festivities on Národní třída kick off with a Velvet brunch on the street, featuring performances by an orchestra.
OPEN DAYS AND DISCOUNTS
- On Nov. 17, you can visit all buildings of the National Museum for free as well as the Prague National Gallery.
- The Letná-based Kramář villa, the official residence of Czech prime ministers, is also open to the public.
- Hrzánský palác (Hrzán Palace) and the National Agriculture Museum are free to enter this Friday.
- The Central Depository of the Czech Republic’s National Library, based in Prague 15, opens spaces that the public cannot normally access on Nov. 17.
- On Nov. 17, Prague Zoo celebrates a national holiday and the third birthday of one of its most important cubs – a Sumatran orangutan. Children under the age of 15 will be admitted to the zoo on this day for a symbolic CZK 1.
- The Prague 7 National Technical Museum will slash its admission prices on Nov. 17, charging adults CZK 80 for admission (from CZK 280 usually). Children aged six to 15 years will pay only CZK 40.
Transport disruptions
Beware of some metro and tram line closures on Friday, which could complicate your journey around the capital.
Metro closures
From Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Nov. 19, there will be no service on the metro C (red) line between the I.P. Pavlova and Vltavská stations (in both directions), affecting the central Muzeum and Hlavní nádraží stops. An alternative XC bus service will serve as a replacement, as will the special tram number 36, the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) writes.
â VÃLUKA METRA NA LINCE C ð | V úseku I. P. Pavlova - Vltavská pÅeruÅ¡Ãme provoz metra ve dnech od pátku 17. 11. 2023 do nedÄle 19. 11. 2023 z důvodu opravy trati.
— Dopravnà podnik hl. m. Prahy, akciová spoleÄnost (@DPPOficialni) November 13, 2023
V mÃstÄ zavedeme náhradnà ð bus dopravu XC v trase I. P. Pavlova - Nádražà HoleÅ¡ovice a nebo nabÃzÃme alternativnÃ⦠pic.twitter.com/45wLmG1pd2
Trams affected, too
Due to the commemorative events on Friday, there will be a temporary suspension of tram services between the Újezd and Lazarská stops in the center of Prague for the whole day. This will affect lines 2, 9, 18, 22, 23, 42, which will all be diverted. There will be no replacement services, as the Újezd to Lazarská journey is only one stop.
From Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Nov. 19, tram and bus operations between Palmovka and Ke Stírce (Prague 8) will be disrupted, according to the DPP. This will impact tram lines 3, 10, and 95, and bus number 58 – all will have diversions. Replacement bus service numbers X3 and X10 will be introduced in daytime operation, and X95 during the night.
â PALMOVKA â KE STÃRCE | Z důvodu opravy tramvajové trati ð docházà od pátku 17. listopadu 2023 do nedÄle 19. listopadu 2023 k doÄasnému pÅeruÅ¡enà provozu tram ve zmÃnÄném úseku.
— Dopravnà podnik hl. m. Prahy, akciová spoleÄnost (@DPPOficialni) November 14, 2023
DotÄené linky: ð 3, 10, 95 ð 58
ð Zavedena bude náhradnà bus doprava X3 a X10 v dennÃm⦠pic.twitter.com/eSghyeB3vN