If you wake up on 28th October and wonder why shops are closed, the trams are half-empty and your Czech friend just texts back “Státní svátek, sorry”, don’t panic. It’s not a strike – it’s Den vzniku samostatného československého státu, the Day of the Establishment of an Independent Czechoslovakia.
Yes, this is the day when Czechs and Slovaks officially said:
“Dear Austria-Hungary, it’s not me, it’s you.”
🎖️ What Are We Actually Celebrating?
On 28th October 1918, after první světová válka (World War I), the Austro-Hungarian Empire fell apart. And like many breakups, it was complicated, emotional… and ended with new flags.
Czech politicians – especially Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk (remember him!), Edvard Beneš, and Milan Rastislav Štefánik – said “that’s enough” and declared an independent state: Československo (Czechoslovakia).
Fun fact:
Masaryk was elected the first president. He had a cool moustache, an American wife (Charlotte Garrigue), and rode a horse like a boss. Basically, the Czech George Washington, but with more beer and less cherry tree drama.
This year, his long-awaited letter was opened. What was inside? Check it out
👀 But Was It That Simple?
Not really. Czechs didn’t just wake up free.
- The declaration was printed secretly on Na Příkopě Street in Prague.
- People ripped down imperial symbols and put up Czech tricolours instead.
- The empire said “Wait, what?” but by then it was too late – we had the vlajka (flag), the hymna (anthem) and the enthusiasm.
And boom – Czechoslovakia was born.
🎉 What Happens on 28th October Today?
Apart from everyone sleeping in and complaining that Albert is closed, here’s what actually happens:
🏰 1. Ceremony at Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)
The president hands out state awards to scientists, actors, war heroes, and occasionally someone who did something legendary in hockey.
🏛️ 2. Dny otevřených dveří – Open Doors Day
Places that are normally locked tighter than Czech grammar rules suddenly open for the public. You can walk into:
- Strakova akademie – the Office of the Czech Government
- Senát Parlamentu ČR – wander through Valdštejnský palác like a politician (if that’s a good thing… I’ll leave it up to you :D)
- Poslanecká sněmovna – sit where laws are made (and naps are taken)
- Obecní dům (Municipal House) – A MUST!, stunning Art Nouveau halls, including the Primátorský salonek decorated by Alfons Mucha
- Nová radnice & Magistrát hlavního města Prahy – peek behind the scenes of Prague’s city hall
- Residence of the Mayor of Prague – yes, you can snoop legally
🎼 3. The famous concert “Má vlast”
My favourite!!
Every year on this day, the Prague Symphony Orchestra (FOK) performs Smetana’s “Má vlast” in the breathtaking Smetanova síň in Obecní dům. National pride + orchestral drama = Czech goosebumps guaranteed.
🖼️ 4. Free Museums & Galleries
Many cultural institutions say “Happy independence, come in for free”:
- Národní muzeum – free entry to all exhibitions
- Národní galerie Praha – selected expositions for free
- Národní technické muzeum – special ticket: only 80 Kč
- Náprstkovo muzeum, České muzeum hudby – open & discounted
- Plus regional museums across Central Bohemia (Kutná Hora, Mělník, Příbram…)
🏞️ 5. Beyond Prague – Lány, Central Bohemia & Castles
- Zámek Lány – home of T. G. Masaryk and Czech presidents, open for tours
- Památník Edvarda Beneše in Sezimovo Ústí – visit the villa of the second president
- Zámek Mnichovo Hradiště – rare tour of protected rooms and golden salon
- Hrad Český Šternberk – guided tours with legendary castle “keyholders”
- Den Středočeského kraje – museums all over Central Bohemia open for free
Find out about more events HERE
Basic Czech Words You’ll Hear on 28th October:
| Czech | English |
|---|---|
| státní svátek | public holiday |
| vznik státu | founding of the state |
| samostatnost | independence |
| prezident | president |
| vyznamenání | state award |
| volno | free day |
🧠 Cultural Bonus – How Do Czechs Actually Celebrate?
Not with parades and fireworks like Americans on 4th July. More like:
- Coffee, and saying “Dneska máme volno!”
- Watching the awards ceremony on TV and complaining about who got a medal.
- Visiting parents in vesnice (village), eating svíčková and politely (I hope) arguing about politics.
- A patriotic grandpa somewhere says: „Masaryk by se v hrobě obracel.“
🎓 Do You Speak Advanced Czech?
Celebrate the birth of an independent nation by watching this video from ČT edu▶️ and hearing the story told in real Czech. If you’re ready for Masaryk-level listening skills, here’s another one▶️ all about TGM himself – the first Czechoslovak president (and quite the “Czech-mate” of history).
If your Czech isn’t quite ready for presidential speeches yet, don’t worry – this shorter clip▶️ will give you a quick taste of independence without the linguistic battle for survival.
❤️ Final Thoughts
28th October isn’t just about a day off. It’s about the moment Czechs and Slovaks decided to stand on their own, build a democratic state, and eventually create a country known for beer, castles and confusing word order.
So – Šťastný Den vzniku samostatného československého státu!
Or simply: Hezký státní svátek!
Pa pa!
