Published: 09.11.2026
The University of Pardubice invites general public to a number of events to be held in November to commemorate what happened in 1939 and 1989 as well as the importance of freedom and democracy. The events will include an academic ceremony, an exhibition opening in the University Gallery, key ringing by the auditorium as well as a traditional concert of the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice, a student parade and sports activities.
“The November events are a reminder that freedom and democracy cannot be taken for granted. The important role of universities lies not only in preserving the historical memory, but also in creating space for free thinking, open discussion and respect for different opinions. That is why we want to involve the general public in the November events in addition to our students and employees. Meeting other generations helps us better understand our history, but also its implications for the present, “ says Professor Libor Čapek, Rector of the University of Pardubice.
The first event as part of the UPCE for Freedom and Democracy 2026 will be a pub quiz on Monday 9 November at 7 p.m. entitled Masters of Europe: Freedom to Explore Europe in the Áčko Club. The event, co-organized by the University and the Pardubice Eurocentre, is free for UPCE students, who may book their place in advance.
On Wednesday 11 November, the Rector’s Standard awards will be given to the best athletes of the University of Pardubice. The faculty doing best in sports will also receive an award.
On Thursday 12 November, the Arnošt of Pardubice Auditorium will host an academic ceremony where the University will present new Associate Professors and Full Professors and award doctoral degrees. The ceremony starts at 1 p.m. and, as the tradition goes, the Rector will also give a number of other awards.
At 5.30, the University Gallery will host an opening of an exhibition entitled Civic Reality by Alice Nikitinová. At 6.15 p.m. there will be key ringing by the memorial plaque near the auditorium, which is an annual commemoration of the November 1989 events. The University Choir will hold its performance as part of the key-ringing meet-up, singing, among others, the Prayer for Marta song.
The last event scheduled for Thursday is the concert of the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice at 7 p.m. in the Arnošt of Pardubice Auditorium. Radek Baborák, a horn player and one of the most prominent figures of world music scene, will be the soloist of the concert. With Markéta Čepická as the concertmaster, it will feature pieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or Benjamin Britten, including Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 3 in E major.
The Faculty of Arts and Philosophy has prepared the Week of Humanities from 16 to 19 November, which offers a varied programme. On Tuesday 17 November, the students of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy organize a parade to commemorate the events of November 1989.
The Department of Physical Education and Sports of the University of Pardubice invites students and employees to the University Sports Day to be held on 18 November. This will be followed by a night run for tandems at 5.30, which is also open to the public.
We will be happy to see students, employees as well as the general public at any of the events. See the University website for detailed programme.
Pardubice, 5 November 2026
Martina Macková
Head of the Promotion and External Affairs, UPCE
