November 17 – Freedom and Democracy Day is not just another date in the calendar. It is a reminder of the courage of Czech students who, twice in history, managed to lift an entire nation to its feet – in 1939 against the Nazi occupation and in 1989 during the Velvet Revolution, when they stood up to the Communist regime. Two stories, one day, one shared message: freedom.
Some days carry meaning not only for Czech history, but for the world. November 17 is one of them. On this day, two powerful moments of unity and resistance came together – both showing courage, solidarity, and the unbreakable human desire for freedom. These values continue to shape the Czech nation today.
The courage of students under occupation
In 1939, Czech university students became a symbol of defiance and hope under the Nazi occupation. After the disintegration of Czechoslovakia and the invasion of Bohemia and Moravia by German troops, fear and censorship spread quickly. Yet young people refused to stay silent – they wanted to show that the Czech nation would never surrender its identity.
When student Jan Opletal was fatally shot during a peaceful protest against the occupation, his funeral turned into a spontaneous demonstration of national unity. Thousands filled the streets of Prague, singing Czech songs, waving flags, and daring to speak of freedom. For one brief moment, the whole city breathed as one – and that was something the Nazis could not tolerate.
On the night of November 16–17, 1939, the regime struck back with brutal force. Nine student leaders were executed without trial, hundreds were arrested and sent to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, and all Czech universities were shut down. The Nazis wanted to silence an educated generation – a generation that could inspire resistance.
But silence never came. The world soon learned of these events, and November 17 became known as International Student’s Day – the only globally recognized commemoration that originated in Czech history. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, the voice of courage can still be heard.
The Velvet Revolution – the day that changed the future
Fifty years later, on November 17, 1989, history took a deep breath once again. The streets of Prague filled with thousands of students gathering to honor the victims of 1939 and to demand freedom, dignity, and truth. What began as a peaceful march from Albertov to Vyšehrad soon became the start of a new chapter in Czech history.
When the procession reached Národní Street, the crowd was trapped between police cordons. The sound of singing and chanting was replaced by shouting, footsteps, and the blows of batons. For many, it was the first time they had seen the brutality of the regime with their own eyes. But instead of fear came anger – and with it, determination.
News of the violence spread faster than censorship could contain it. Within days, the Velvet Revolution was born. Theatres canceled performances, schools became student headquarters, actors read declarations in public squares, and people across the country jingled their keys to signal that the old regime’s time had come to an end.
Each day, new voices joined the protests. People stood in the freezing cold, united by something they hadn’t felt in decades – hope. And within just a few weeks, what had seemed impossible in October became reality: the Communist regime fell, and Czechoslovakia regained its freedom. Without bloodshed. Without guns. Only through courage, unity, and the power of words.
November 17 – Freedom and Democracy Day reminds us that freedom can never be taken for granted. It must be protected – not only in times of crisis, but every day, through honesty, integrity, and the courage to speak up.
The strength of Czech society has always been its humanity – the ability to stay united and compassionate, even in the darkest moments.
The history of Prague brought to life at Back in Time Prague
If you wish to not only remember these defining moments of Czech history, but truly experience them, visit Back in Time Prague – the immersive museum where history comes alive.
At Back in Time, you’ll walk through more than 1,200 years of Czech history. Using holograms, 5D cinema, interactive scenes, and special projections, the museum takes you right into the heart of the story. You won’t just observe – you’ll become part of it.
Every room at Back in Time Prague pulls you into a different era – from the legendary Princess Libuše to the reign of Charles IV, and into the defining events of the 20th century, including the Velvet Revolution and the struggles of students who changed the course of history.
Because to understand the past is to understand the present. And the freedom that November 17 – Freedom and Democracy Day represents is an experience you can truly feel here.
You’ll find Back in Time Prague in the very heart of the city – on the 6th floor of the Máj – House of Fun entertainment and shopping center on Národní Street, Prague 1. Whether you come alone, with friends, or with your family, one thing is certain – it’s a journey through time you’ll never forget.
