Czechs mark Masaryk anniversary

Czechs have been marking the 160th anniversary of the birth of Czechoslovakia’s co-founder and first president T.G. Masaryk. After a commemorative ceremony at his graveside in Lány on Saturday, the focus on Sunday moved to president Masaryk’s birthplace Hodonín, in south Moravia. The celebrations started at the local railway station on Sunday morning with the arrival of a historic steam-powered train once used by the country’s first president, complete with his original salon car. Outdoor celebrations on the town’s main square saw children release dozens of blue-red-and-white balloons, the Czech Republic’s national colours. Masaryk’s Museum in Hodonín has planned a special evening devoted to the life and legacy of the most respected Czech politician ever.

Earlier this week an exhibition dedicated to Masaryk’s life and work opened at Prague Castle and people also had a chance to visit the Masaryk Library at Prague Castle which is normally closed to the public.