October 12th has been officially declared as the Day of Samizdat in the Czech Republic, in recognition of the country’s rich literary heritage and the role of samizdat in preserving it during the communist era. Samizdat, which means self-publishing, refers to the underground distribution of literature and other materials in countries where freedom of expression was suppressed.

During the communist era in Czechoslovakia, from 1948 to 1989, the government heavily censored literature, art and other forms of expression. Many authors, poets, and artists were forced to publish their works in secret, using samizdat as a means to bypass censorship and share their work with the public.

Samizdat played a crucial role in preserving the country’s literary heritage during this time and allowed for the continuation of cultural and intellectual life. Many works that were banned by the government were distributed through samizdat, including works by Czech authors such as Vaclav Havel, Milan Kundera, and Bohumil Hrabal.

The Day of Samizdat will be celebrated annually on October 12th and will serve as a reminder of the importance of freedom of expression and the role of literature in preserving cultural heritage. Events such as readings, lectures, and exhibitions will be held to commemorate the day and to honor the authors and poets who risked their lives to share their work with the public.

The Day of Samizdat is an important recognition of the role that literature and the arts played in preserving Czech culture during a time of political oppression. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by many individuals to preserve freedom of expression and to keep the country’s literary heritage alive.

Article by Prague Forum