Czechs celebrating Czechoslovak Independence Day

Czechs are celebrating Czechoslovak Independence Day, marking the 106th anniversary of the establishment of Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918.  Although Czechoslovakia ceased to exist in 1993, when Czechs and Slovaks parted ways, Czechs continue to view October 28 as the day of their national founding.

The anniversary of the birth of the Czechoslovak Republic is a public holiday, marked by a host of events, including a traditional ceremony at the Vítkov Memorial at which the country’s top officials, church dignitaries and cultural figures lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to pay homage to those who laid down their lives for the country.

Official wreath-laying ceremonies take place at President Masaryk’s graveside in Lány and his statue on Prague's Hradčany Square, but people also make their way to the hundreds of busts, statues, monuments and plaques dedicated to Czechoslovakia’s co-founder in towns and villages around Czechia to lay flowers and light candles.

A ceremonial change-of-guard at Prague Castle at midday traditionally attracts a crowd of onlookers. Meanwhile, inside Prague Castle the head of state and commander of the armed forces appoints new army generals.

In the afternoon the Czechoslovak Legionary Community is holding a commemorative meeting on Prague's Emauzy Square to honour the memory of the fallen legionaries.

The celebrations traditionally culminate with an award giving ceremony in the Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle when the president hands out high state distinctions for services to the state. This year President Pavel is expected to honour 56 personalities from all walks of life. The names of the laureates are not revealed in advance.