Independence Day in the Czech Republic Date in the current year: October 28, 2024

During World War I the Austro-Hungarian Empire saw a steady decline and it finally ceased to exist in 1918. The Czech Republic declared its independence from the empire as Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918 and joined the winning Allied powers. Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk became the first President of the independent state on November 14, 1918 and headed the country till December 14, 1935.

Independence Day is a national holiday, grand festive events are organized. President of the Czech Republic delivers a solemn speech, thus starting the official part of celebration. Outstanding Czechs are invited to the medals awarding ceremony at Prague Castle, the official residence of President. Later President and the key members of the government place flowers on the grave of Tomáš Masaryk.