Václav Havel to be commemorated in Prague with a series of events this week

Source:  Expats cz / https://news.expats.cz / By Katrina Modra /

Eight years ago on December 18, 2011, Czech president Václav Havel died at age 75

A number of events are planned in the Czech capital this Wednesday, December 18, to commemorate the anniversary of Czech President Václav Havel who died at age 75 on this date in 2011.

Many of these annual events have become Prague traditions, including the spontaneous gathering and lighting of candles that took place on Wenceslas Square eight years ago following the announcement of Havel’s death.

Many of the events’ organizers emphasize the importance of continuing to commemorate the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the Czech Republic, a playwright and author.

“I grew up in the post-revolution era and I am grateful to Václav Havel,” says Hedvika Dočekalová one of the organizers of the Wenceslas Square event. “This commemorative event marks the beginning of an annual tradition, because it must not be forgotten.”

Below is schedule of events planned for Wednesday, the eighth anniversary of the late Czech president:

Candle for Václav Havel
Where: Jungmann Square
When: 11 am to 6 pm
What’s happening: During the afternoon, snippets of texts from Havel’s work will be read on the spot, and several musicians will perform.
Event link: Facebook

Memorial for Václav Havel on the Anniversary of his Death
Where: From Václav Havel Square (piazzeta Národní divadlo) to Hradčanské Square
When: Processional begins at 6 pm
What’s happening: A heart that “personally symbolizes all the good that Mr. Havel was able to wake in us” will be carried from the square to the castle where audio recordings of Havel speaking will be played.
Event link: Facebook

Memorial for Václav Havel on the Anniversary of his Death
Where: Wenceslas Square under the horse statue
When: 6 pm
What’s happening: People will gather to light a candle for the late president. Scheduled to appear are many of Havel’s friends, as well as prominent Czech journalists and artists. Songs by Karel Kryl and Marta Kubišová will be played by Ticho de Pre Cupé BAND.
Event link: Facebook

Short Pants for Václav Havel
Where: All around the world
When: All day long on December 18
What’s happening: Each year on this date tens of thousands of people all around the world roll up their trousers for the whole day to remember his first entry into the presidential office.
Event link: Facebook