Freedom Week in Prague to mark 35 years since the Velvet Revolution

Prague’s Freedom Week, held this year in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, will take place from Nov. 11 to 17, bringing together more than 40 cultural and educational institutions along Národní Street.

This week-long series of events will highlight the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights through a variety of performances, exhibitions, debates, and educational activities. The festivities, organized by the Díky, že můžem (Thanks That We Can) association, will feature over 100 events, with a focus on modern history and the current state of global freedom.

The Freedom Week celebrations begin on Nov. 11 with the presentation of the Jan Opletal Awards, which honor young people making positive changes in their communities. Opletal, a Czech student shot by the Nazis in 1939, is remembered for his role in the student protests against the Nazi occupation.

The program includes a variety of activities, such as theatre performances, concerts, and panel discussions. Notably, the Václav Havel Library will present the Václav Havel Known-Unknown installation on Václav Havel Square, showcasing lesser-known photographs and quotes from the late Czech president and dissident.

This installation will provide visitors with an opportunity to reflect on Havel’s significant influence on post-communist Czechoslovakia and Czechia.

Other highlights include a tribute to Karel Kryl, the iconic Czech dissident singer and songwriter, during a concert at the Prague Sounds festival on Nov. 12. In addition, Rock Café will host an event focused on LGBT+ themes, exploring Czech society's approach to inclusivity.

Freedom Week events will also include film screenings and debates on topics like the role of women in the media and the intersection of culture and politics during the communist era.

The Freedom Week celebrations will culminate on Nov. 17, the Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy, with the premiere of the short film Freedom Connects Us, which will be shown on three screens on Národní Street at 5 p.m.

The film will be followed by a performance of the iconic song Prayer for Marta, sung by actress Anna Fialová at 5:11 p.m. These events mark the culmination of a week of reflection, celebration, and dialogue on the ongoing importance of democracy and human rights.

Now in its second year, Freedom Week aims to create a platform for continued conversation about the importance of freedom, helping to ensure that these values remain central to society in the years to come. For a full lineup of Freedom Week events, visit the official event website.