Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day and International Students' Day

On November 17th, the Czech Republic commemorates two historically significant events. On November 17, 1939, which was eventually declared International Student Day, the Czech universities were closed by the Nazi occupiers and patriotic students were executed. On November 17, 1989, on the 50th anniversary of the events of the occupation period a demonstration took place, which grew into a protest against the communist regime of the time and, as a result, marked the beginning of the Velvet Revolution and, with it, the return of Czechoslovakia to the family of European democracies.

Public could join the commemorations traditionally by the candle lighting at the Havel's Place at 17:00 with the Ambassador Edita Hrdá.