On March 10, 1988 Catholic activist František Mikloško notified the Regional National Committee of an intention to hold a demonstration in support of civic and religious freedoms – yet the authorities banned it, security forces were put on standby, and Czechoslovakia declared a state of emergency: religious believers were intimidated and threatened at their workplaces, and students were instructed to travel home for the weekend.

Nevertheless, a peaceful gathering was held on Good Friday, March 25, 1988 at Hviezdoslav Square – with security forces and two water cannon arriving at 18:00. Political officials including Miroslav Válek (the Minister of Culture) had a birds-eye view from the Carlton Hotel as 8,000 to 10,000 candle-holding peaceful protesters were met with police violence:  baton charges, tear gas, and water cannons. 141 were detained, and while only 14 were officially injured the true figure is likely much higher (many avoided seeking medical treatment for fear of reprisals).

Historians agree that this event - hither to known as the Candle Demonstration - directly led to November '89 and the Gentle Revolution, and since 1993 it has been recognised in the Slovak Republic as the Struggle for Human Rights Day.