Struggle For Human Rights Day
Observed annually on March 25th in Slovakia, Struggle for Human Rights Day memorializes the events of the Candle Demonstration—an event that took place in Bratislava in 1988. The Candle Demonstration was a mass demonstration organized against the Communist Regime in Czechoslovakia.
Slovakia (Observance)The Roman Catholic Church dissent groups organized the event and used it as a way to strive for freedom of religion in the country. This holiday should not be confused with Human Rights Day, which is celebrated by the international community every year on December 10th.
The History of Human Rights Day in Slovakia
The Candle Demonstration on March 25, 1988, was planned by the Executive Vice President of the Slovak World Congress, Marián Štastný. Five thousand Slovaks ended up protesting at Hviezdoslav Square with candles, and thousands of other protesters were in adjacent streets.
The secret police blocked the entrance to the square and used water cannons on protesters. Protesters were also attacked with batons. This day is seen as an important first step towards dismantling Czechoslovakia’s communist regime.
Facts About Slovakia
There are many things for everyone to learn about Slovakia, and not a lot of space available to us, so we decided to list some of the interesting facts that we’ve learned about this country. Let’s take a peek at them before continuing on with how Human Rights Day is observed.
- The museum in Medzilaborce, Slovakia, has a total of 160 Andy Warhol originals.
- Vlkolinec has been rated as one of the 30 most beautiful towns in Europe by the Japanese Association of Travel Agents.
- Slovakia has a total of 7 World Heritage Sites.
Observing Human Rights Day in Slovakia
This holiday is observed by a recreation of the Candle Demonstration, as well as other events across the country. Since it is not a public holiday, businesses have normal operating hours.
Slovakia (Observance)
