On Sunday, November 17, Prague’s Národní Třída will once again transform into a lively space of remembrance and reflection as the Korzo Národní festival marks the 36th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution.

This year’s event, themed “Thanks to You for Being Able”, invites the public to celebrate freedom, democracy, and civic courage through art, discussion, and music.

Organized by the civic association Díky, že můžem, the festival is one of the largest annual gatherings commemorating the events of 1989.

As in previous years, it will offer a full-day program stretching from morning until evening, combining solemn tributes with cultural and educational activities.

The street between the National Theatre and Jungmann Square will be closed to traffic, turning into a symbolic promenade of freedom filled with music stages, discussion zones, and art installations.

The day will begin with the traditional Velvet Brunch, a benefit event supporting single mothers through the Fandi mámám organization. Visitors can enjoy breakfast outdoors, surrounded by music and conversations about freedom, solidarity, and civic responsibility.

At 11 a.m., the Pedagogical Association Emil will lead a family-friendly educational walk along Národní Třída and its surroundings, designed for children and their parents.

Later, the Living Room of Václav Havel will return to the street with the subtitle “For Milada”, where actors Simona Lewandowská, Petr Uhlík, and Elizaveta Maximova will read literary works inspired by the courage of Milada Horáková.

This symbolic living room has become one of the emotional focal points of the event, offering a moment of quiet reflection amid the festive atmosphere.

Music will play an essential role throughout the day, from Mário Bihári’s rendition of the national anthem to the performance of Prayer for Martha sung by Jan Cina at exactly 17:11, marking the historic time of the student demonstration that triggered the revolution.

This year also marks 75 years since Milada Horáková’s execution and the death of Father Josef Toufar, both victims of communist persecution.

Their stories will echo through debates and installations, including Hidden Church inside St. Ursula’s, created as an audio documentary about the underground church. “These anniversaries remind us that courage and freedom of speech always come at a price,” says Ester Valtrová, program director of Díky, že můžem.

Art, Music, and Interactive Installations

Thirteen installations and exhibitions will line the street. At the X10 Theatre, visitors will find Scars, documenting police brutality during 1989; Borders Are Not a Parade!, recalling travel restrictions before the revolution; and HAVEL-REED, recounting Václav Havel’s meeting with Lou Reed.

Another installation, The Power of Words, will invite people to add their own protest slogans, while Maps of Occupation near the National Theatre will visualize the Soviet invasion of 1968 from above.

Beloved traditions return as Anton VB, a sound installation composed of authentic testimonies from both protesters and police, offers visitors a powerful experience of history through sound.

Families and Young Visitors

The festival also offers an extensive family program. Parents and children can follow the Trail of November 17, a walking tour retracing key moments of the student movement, or take part in a History Lesson Like Never Before, which allows children to experience recent history through the eyes of the participants. Scouts and art workshops will entertain younger visitors, emphasizing neighborly coexistence and civic responsibility.

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