Over 100,000 people gathered in central Prague on Sunday to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, the student-led movement that paved the way for an independent Czechia.

A Record Turnout

Organizers reported that approximately 102,000 visitors attended this year’s Národní Promenáda on Národní třída, an increase from last year’s 93,000. The annual event featured:

• Debates and public discussions

• Exhibitions and historical displays

• Musical performances

• A ceremonial singing of the Czech national anthem

• A special rendition of “Modlitba pro Martu” performed by actor Jan Cina at 5:11 p.m.

The program also highlighted important historical anniversaries connected to Milada Horáková and Josef Toufar.

Message of the Event

Bára Starek, director of the Díky, že můžem association, emphasized the importance of dialogue:

“We have something to say reminds us that open conversation, listening, and respect for different opinions are the foundations of a free society. Democracy is not maintained by silence but by the responsibility of each of us.”

Event director Veronika Povišerová added that the gathering raised a record CZK 60,000 for single mothers.

Support for Democracy and Ukraine

Thousands also attended the Concert for Future on Wenceslas Square. Speakers voiced strong support for:

• Ukraine

• Civil society

• Democratic safeguards

Constitutional Court judge Jan Wintr reminded the crowd:

“The peaceful alternation of government and opposition is a sign of a functioning democracy.”

Šimon Pánek, director of People in Need, reflected on 1989 as a time calling for:

“A more decent, more open, more honest and more solidary society.”