Petr Pavel and Peter Pellegrini support the Czech-Slovak ball. The most noble event of the year is approaching
The most noble event of the year, so the organizers of the Czech-Slovak ball describe it. This year, it will also take place under the auspices of the Presidents of the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, marking the 11th edition, which falls on the significant date of February 1. The event is famous mainly for its exclusive program and gastronomic experience right on the dance floor itself. In addition to this, the ball will this time also commemorate significant historical milestones and personalities who have influenced our shared history.
The Czech-Slovak Ball is held under the patronage of both the Czech and Slovak Presidents. What does that actually mean? Simply put, when a president "grants patronage," it means that they officially express support for a certain event, project, or organization. This indicates that it is a significant and valuable activity and thereby enhances the prestige and credibility of the event. The Czech-Slovak Ball has maintained its prestige for 11 years not only thanks to its program and noble atmosphere, but mainly due to the commemoration of personalities and events from Czech and Slovak history.
End of the Second World War
The first milestone that we will commemorate this year is the end of the Second World War. This year marks exactly 80 years since its conclusion. We commemorate this day every year with a holiday on May 8, when we celebrate Victory Day. The Second World War plagued European countries for six years. It brought victims not only on the fronts, but also in concentration camps or in occupied territories. Nearly 400 thousand people died on Czech territory during the war, the majority being from the Jewish population. The war ended with the signing of Germany's unconditional surrender, which took effect on May 8, 1945. However, the surrender was initially signed a day before in French Reims in the headquarters of the American General, and later President, Dwight Eisenhower.
Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and Karel Kramář
The organizers have not forgotten about strong political personalities who are celebrating the anniversary of their birth this year.
We will be commemorating the 175th anniversary of the birth of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, who was a co-founder and the first president of the Czechoslovak Republic, and also the 165th anniversary of the birth of Karel Kramář, who was the first Czechoslovak prime minister,
said the director of the Czech-Slovak ball Radovan Čaplovič.
Everyone knows T. G. Masaryk well. Karel Kramář was no less significant for both countries. In 1889, he founded the realist movement with T. G. Masaryk and J. Kaizl, and two years later he became the recognized leader of the Young Czech Party. Before World War I, he was the main representative and defender of so-called positive politics. This rejected Czech constitutional radicalism and aimed at the gradual strengthening of the economic, political, and cultural positions of the Czech nation and other Slavic nations of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. After the end of World War I, he became the prime minister of the first Czechoslovak government.
The Weasel and the duo Voskovec and Werich
The organizers also decided this year to honor significant personalities who not only distributed joy and good mood during their careers, but also significantly contributed to the development of cultural heritage. This year marks exactly 100 years since the founding of the Liberated Theatre, which was not afraid to criticize the political situation of its time. The founders are two significant Czech actors and humorists, Jiří Voskovec and Jan Werich, both of whom are celebrating their 120th anniversary this year, which will be properly remembered in the program of the ball. Out of Slovak personalities, the organizers chose Milan Lasica, an amazing man, an excellent humorist, playwright, writer, lyricist, actor, director, presenter, and singer. Another Slovak personality is Professor Milan Čorba, who significantly contributed to the development of the Slovak scenography, film, and theater costume designing, and also served as a university teacher. Both would be 85 years old in 2025.
This year, the organizers have put a lot of effort into selecting historical milestones and personalities who have influenced both the Czech and Slovak peoples. This year's Czech-Slovak ball will really be covered with the most prestigious robe.
Source: author's text, Czech-Slovak ball, iRozhlas.cz, vlada.gov.cz
