Velvet Revolution

This weekend was the celebration of the Velvet Revolution. This was a non-violent revolution in Czechoslovakia when communism ended and it became a republic on the 17th November 1989. In the Czech Republic they celebrate the Velvet Revolution by marching/parading through the main streets, heaps of loud speakers, people dressed up and more police than I have ever seen in my life! We happened to be going the opposite direction so got the full show. Prior to the march we visited the Lennon Wall. The Beetles music was banned under the communist regime. Someone painted a picture of John Lennon on the wall, every time the wall was white washed that night the picture would reappear. Over time the wall became a symbol of peace, love and freedom where many polical messages where written. Eventually the authorities gave up cleaning the wall. All of the padlocks you see on the bridge are people locking their love together, they do this and then throw the keys into the water. We also did a boat cruise this weekend. It was pretty cool, we had to catch a smaller boat out to the main boat where you are given a hot drink and ginger bread while the tour guide tell you about the local area. Ironically after everything I have learnt about communism this week it is interesting to know that the Czech Republic elections are coming up and the Communist Party are polling 2nd!