When is Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State?
Always celebrated on January 1st, this holiday marks the date in 1993 when Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
History of Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State
Czechoslovakia had emerged as a sovereign state at the end of World War 1 in 1918. It was briefly split during World War 2, before coming under Soviet rule in 1948. In 1968, it became a federation consisting of the Czech Socialist Republic and the Slovak Socialist Republic.
Communist rule in Czechoslovakia was brought to an end in 1989 as a result of the Velvet Revolution.
Following negotiations between the Slovak and Czech leaders, the way was paved for the disbanding of the federation. In November 1992, the federal parliament of Czechoslovakia voted to dissolve the country on December 31st 1992.
This, the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic officially became separate countries on January 1st 1993. This event has been dubbed the Velvet Divorce.
If it can be described as a divorce, it was an amicable one, with the Czech Republic remaining a close partner with Slovakia.
New Year Traditions in Czech Republic
Despite the political overtones to the day, some January 1st traditions rooted in folklore are still observed today.
It's a common tradition to take a walk on New Year's Day as part of celebrating the arrival of a new year. According to the folk belief, "as you start the new year, so shall your footsteps fall all year." Many take walks through local parks and woodlands as a way to symbolically set their path for the coming months.
Alongside walking, Czech New Year's Eve holds many rich cultural traditions. According to folklore, certain activities were avoided on the night of Dec. 31 and the morning of Jan. 1 to prevent bad fortune in the new year. Washing and laundry, taking items out of the home, or sweeping could inadvertently "sweep out" one's luck.
A law that came into effect at the end of 2016 specifies eight national holidays when stores larger than 200 square meters have to stay closed applies to this holiday.
