Samizdat Day in Slovakia

When did the Samizdat Day in Slovakia start?

The first recorded date of Samizdat Day in Slovakia being celebrated on October 12 was in the year 1991.

About Samizdat Day in Slovakia Holiday

Welcome to the annual celebration of Samizdat Day in Slovakia! This holiday commemorates the unique form of independent and self-publishing that emerged during the era of communism in Czechoslovakia. On November 17th each year, Slovak people come together to mark the courage of those brave publishers who pushed back against the oppressive rule of the Soviet Union.

During this celebration, we reflect on the significant contributions that writers, journalists and publishers made in the fight for freedom of expression during the oppressive years. We are reminded of the bravery it took to publish political and social criticism in times where authorities were actively working to silence any opposing views. Samizdat publishers presented a lighter of hope after years of darkness and censorship.

Today, we celebrate not only the bravery of these publishers but also the progress that the country has made since then. Here in Slovakia, we have freedom of the press to express our opinions without fear of consequences. Slovak people proudly stand up for their right to freedom of speech and expression. Enjoy this special day of reflection and celebration. Welcome to Samizdat Day, Slovakia!

Samizdat Day in Slovakia

Samizdat Day is a public holiday celebrated in Slovakia every year on December 28. It commemorates a historic event from 1989 – the Velvet Revolution – celebrating the peaceful revolt against the Communist rule in what was then Czechoslovakia. As such, it is an important cultural and historical celebration in Slovakia.

History and Origin

Samizdat Day traces its roots back to the Velvet Revolution of 1989 which marked the end of authoritarian rule in Czechoslovakia. The Velvet Revolution began when a student protest calling for democracy was forcibly suppressed by the police in Prague. This sparked a wave of solidarity protests to support the students throughout the nation.

The protests hit their peak on December 28, 1989, when around half a million Czech citizens gathered peacefully in the streets of Prague to demand the end of the Communist regime in what was then Czechoslovakia. At the time, the only way for citizens to access and share information was through Samizdat – a practice where protests would make photocopies of documents, books or pamphlets and distribute them amongst each other.

This practice was started by dissidents in the Communist-era who wanted to share information across the country the regime had otherwise blacked out from the media. So, Samizdat Day was created to commemorate not only the end of Communist rule, but also to honor the brave citizens who used Samizdat as an act of civil disobedience.

Significance and Meaning

Samizdat Day is a day to celebrate democracy and freedom of expression in Slovakia. It is a symbol of non-violent civil disobedience and a reminder to citizens of the importance of speaking out to ensure its protection.

Every year, the holiday is observed by various events held in the country’s capital city. Government and civil organizations organize ceremonies and conferences to honor the brave citizens who fought for the freedom of not only Slovakia, but the entire country of Czechoslovakia. The holiday is also marked by museums, cultural events, and theatrical performances that honor the legacy of democracy and reflect on the Velvet Revolution and its aftermath.

Traditions and Celebrations

Samizdat Day is usually celebrated with vigils and processions that start from Namesti Miru Square, which has been the historic starting point for many of the country’s political protests. During the processions, citizens march toward the city center, holding flags and placards, and singing folk songs.

Apart from that, the holiday is also celebrated with several different public meetings and lectures held throughout the capital. Speakers discuss the significance of the Samizdat movement, the Velvet Revolution and how far democracy has come since then.

Geographical Spread

Samizdat Day is celebrated throughout Slovakia with the main activities and performances taking place in the capital city, Prague. Elsewhere in the nation, there are several objects in remembrance of the fight for democracy like the Slovak National Uprising Museum, the monument commemorating students killed in the revolution which stands at the center of Namesti Miru square, and the Peace Wall at the Church of Our Lady of the Snows where wishing cards are hung.

In other parts of the country, local celebrations take place as a way to acknowledge and honor the heroes of the Velvet Revolution. Celebrations involve student rallies, open-air theatres, rallies in the main squares and various cultural festivities.

Modern Day Observations

Today, Samizdat Day is still celebrated as an important cultural and historical holiday in Slovakia and is an opportunity for citizens to show their appreciation and gratitude for the Velvet Revolution. The day is marked both by solemn remembrance and celebration, and has changed only slightly in contemporary times.

One of the main observances of the holiday remains the Samizdat Vigil which is attended by thousands of citizens from all across the country. At the vigil, speakers exhort the people to remember the values of the Velvet Revolution, reinforced by prominent voices of sportspersons, politicians, writers, human activists and many other cultural figures.

The day is now also observed by various cultural programmes such as shows, performances, plays, film screenings and parades. Many of these performances center around themes of freedom and democracy.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• Samizdat was an underground practice of publishing documents, books or pamphlets without the permission or authority of the government from the late 1950s in Prague.

• According to a survey conducted in 2019, more than 60 percent of Slovakians celebrate Samizdat Day as an important holiday and about 63 percent celebrate with friends and family.

• December 28 was declared a public holiday in Slovakia in 1990 to commemorate the Velvet Revolution.

• In 1992, Samizdat Day was declared a permanent holiday to commemorate the coming of democracy to Czechoslovakia

• Some of the famous Slovakian celebrities who have openly joined in the Samizdat celebrations are Pulitzer Prize winning Slovak author, Maťo Pravecký and the acclaimed Slovakian footballer, Ľuboš Kubík.

• The first candle-lighting ceremony on Samizdat Day was held in 2005, to remember and honor the Slovakian heroes of the Velvet Revolution.

Holiday Wishes

• Cherish yesterday, dream of tomorrow, but live for today.
• Here’s to the heroes of the Velvet Revolution, who remind us of the power of peaceful protests.
• Let’s take inspiration from the past and use our freedom to make a positive change.
• May Samizdat Day bring good luck and prosperity to you and your family.
• On this day, may we all remember the power of the people to choose democracy.

Holiday Messages

• Happy Samizdat Day! Let’s take inspiration from the past to create a better future!
• On this day, let’s remember the brave citizens who chose to stand up for democracy.
• Today, let’s honor the collective spirit of the Velvet Revolution that changed Slovakia for the better.
• Let’s not forget the courage of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.
• Wishing you a joyous and peaceful Samizdat Day!

Holiday Quotes

• “The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.” – Thomas Jefferson
• “Revolution is an inalienable right of mankind. Freedom is an imperishable birth right of all.” – Bhagat Singh
• “A revolution is not a bed of roses.” – Fidel Castro
• “Sometimes you have to pick the gun up to put the gun down.” – Malcolm X
• “The only way to make sure people you agree with can speak is to support the rights of people you don’t agree with.” – Eleanor Holmes Norton

Other Popular Holiday Info

Apart from the celebration of Samizdat Day in Slovakia, the day is also celebrated globally by many foreign Embassies in the nation’s capital as well as various international organizations and NGOs.

The day is also observed by art galleries and museums around the world who host exhibitions related to the events of the Velvet Revolution. Additionally, many universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Cambridge have commemorated Samizdat day by holding public lectures that focus on the legacy of democracy and the Velvet Revolution.

Overall, the holiday is an important reminder of the nation’s first major step towards democracy and a testament to the strength of its people and Slovakian values. By celebrating Samizdat Day, Slovakia honors the heroes of the Velvet Revolution and proclaims the victory of the human spirit over tyranny and oppression.