Prague celebrates 20 years since the fall of communism

It is time to party like it's not 1989. Prague is getting ready for "the best party in 20 years," to mark the Nov. 17 anniversary with parades, concerts and impromptu events to celebrate the end of communism. The city center will be transformed into an arena of celebration with beers and other beverages on sale at communist prices for a limited period on Old Town Square in a light-hearted attempt to recreate what life was like 20 years ago.  

Special events for children are also planned, according to organizers, with bananas, oranges and sweets being handed out in a reminder of the scarcity of these "luxuries" under communism.

One of the highlights will be a commemorative parade from Albertov to Národní třída, following the historic route students took 20 years ago when they were blocked by police from entering Wenceslas Square. This was a pivotal march in 1989 when the police attack on the students unleashed a chain of events that led to the downfall of the communist regime.

The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and ends on Národní třída with a mass public concert featuring Monkey Business, Vladimír Mišík, Dan Bárta, Vlasta Třešňák, Lenka Dusilová, Vladimír Merta, Pavel Zajíček, Tony Ducháček, Michal Ambrož, James Cole, Vladimir 518 and Orion.

Unlike some of the planned celebrations in other parts of the city, these events are completely open to the public and free of charge.

The festivities are being organized by Opona (Curtain), an NGO established with the sole purpose of celebrating the 20th anniversary of the fall of communism. The events are being funded by corporate sponsorship as well as grants from the European Union and City Hall.  

"Our inspiration came from our memories," said David Gaydečka, one of the organizers. "We still remember the times that preceded Nov. 17. We believe the changes over the past 20 years have been positive despite all those problems that came with freedom. There are plenty of reasons for people to celebrate and enjoy themselves."

Despite the current economic and political problems, the general direction of the country since 1989 is worth celebrating, said Opona Chairman Marek Vocel. "There are some concerns over our present state and the fragility of democracy, but we are convinced there is more than enough to celebrate."

The party, too, will be historic, said Matěj Ruppert from Monkey Business. "Prague will witness a party like we've never seen in the past 20 years," he said.

People will meet in Albertov at 3 p.m. for speeches that will last about 30 minutes before the parade starts. Once the parade reaches Národní třída, a picture will be taken of participants to mark the event. Then a light show will mark the end of communism, after which the concert will commence. Národní třída will be closed to traffic starting at 6 p.m., and police warn the large number of people expected on the streets could result in other roads being closed to traffic. Police ask those attending the festivities to use public transport.

Before the parade, a number of family events will take place on Old Town Square from 1:30 p.m.

- Klára Jiřičná contributed to this report.

Klára Jiřičná can be reached at
kjiricna@praguepost.com