Nov. 17 in Czechia: What's open and where can you enjoy free admission?

This Sunday, Nov. 17, Czechia will commemorate the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day. The country remembers the 1989 student protests that sparked the Velvet Revolution and ultimately helped lead to the downfall of the communist regime. Sunday also marks International Students' Day.

This is a public holiday in the country, but there are several important things you should know to help you plan your day. 

Unlike on the Oct. 28 national public holiday, there is no legal obligation for stores around the country to close. However, shops may adjust their opening hours (or shut algoether) based on their discretion. It’s a good idea to double-check beforehand. 

Grocery-delivery services as well as food-delivery operators will also be working as normal.

Prague’s National Museum typically holds open days—which visitors can attend for free—on Nov. 17. However, this year, this open day is moved to a week later; Sunday, Nov. 24. This week, the museum will open as normal but will charge admission.

The institution has done this to prevent any potential civil unrest on nearby Wenceslas Square; an anti-government organization, Czech Republic First, has organized a protest this Sunday demanding the removal of the Ukrainian national flag from the museum’s façade.

As is the case every year, Prague’s Národní Street will be closed off on Sunday to allow people and organizations to celebrate the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day. 

Known as Korzo Národní, the event includes a procession, concerts, debates, theater, and exhibitions along Národní třída. Highlights include the premiere of Freedom Unites Us, a film blending archival and animated footage, projected throughout the evening, and Anna Fialová’s performance of Prayer for Martha at the symbolic time of 5:11 p.m.

Public-transport disruption is so far limited this Sunday, according to the website of the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP).

Tram service in the Újezd–Lazarská section, bordering Prague 1 and Prague 2, will be temporarily suspended due to commemorative events. Key route changes are as follows:

Inputting your journey on the DPP website (available in English) will allow you to check whether your commute or planned route will be disrupted. You may also plan your route and see all changes via the PID Lítačka phone app.