Husovy protektorátní oslavy v roce 1939
Protectorate Celebration of Master Jan Hus in 1939

Summary/Abstract: After 15 March 1939, the Czech people were overwhelmed by hopelessness and disappointment from the loss of national independence and state sovereignty. However, the nation quickly recovered from the trauma of the occupation. The anti-German mood that spread among the Czechs soon escalated into open manifestations. One of the most remarkable ones took place in May 1939 when the remains of the poet K. H. Macha were moved to the national cemetery in Vysehrad, Prague. The capital was then literally flooded with flags in the national colours. These open mass gatherings in which the Czech citizens showed their national unity can certainly include the pilgrimages and fairs which were mostly organised by the church, but which were so widespread they became nationwide festivities. Only a couple of days after the end of the temporary military administration of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, which took on the civilian form of an occupation regime, 60 000 people made a pilgrimage to Rip mountain, and the spring and summer 1939 ended with the St. Lawrence pilgrimage and fair in Domazlice.

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