Fun and festivities in Czech Republic - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

The Czech Republic is a country with a rich history and cultural heritage, which are reflected in local holidays and festivals. Czechs love both public holidays and days of national celebrations and festivals, the number of which is quite impressive. Each holiday date, as a rule, has its long history and traditions rooted deep in ancient times. Tourists going on a trip to the Czech Republic will most likely get to a festive event dedicated to celebrating a certain occasion.

Like in many other countries, the calendar year in the Czech Republic begins with the New Year. It coincides with the celebration of St. Sylvester's Day. A lot of festively dressed people walk through the streets, and carp with apples and lentils is served at homes. It is believed that this food can bring good luck and happiness in the coming year. On January 6, Czechs celebrate Epiphany or Three Kings' Day. Czechs go to church, children dress up as kings and collect donations for charity. Myasopust holiday falls on the same day. Czechs do not limit themselves in food during this period. Blood and liver sausages, pork in any form, roast duck and beer have become traditional dishes for the holiday. The symbol of Myasopust is donuts enjoying great popularity.

On Valentine's Day, people who kiss each other on the Charles Bridge will find happiness for the next year, and touching the sculpture of Saint John of Nepomuk on the bridge makes all the wishes come true. In February, there is Golden Beer Seal festival, during which 200 brewing companies present about 1,000 beers from around the world. A lot of beer-drinking competitions, the opportunity to try different types of beer and much more await guests of the event. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

On the night of April 30th to May 1st, it is the Witches Night in the Czech Republic. It is believed that boundaries between the worlds are erased at this time, and evil forces come to the human world. On hilltops, Czechs burn bonfires, jump over them, dance and arrange all kinds of competitions. During the celebration, one can dress in a witch costume, try flying on a broomstick and participate in other interesting games. Many Czech towns hold witch processions ending with the symbolic burning of a stuffed witch. Easter is widely celebrated in the Czech Republic. It is hard to surprise anyone with painted eggs on this day, so Czechs lay them out wherever possible. Round dancing with birch twigs became an important attribute of the holiday. Men visiting girlfriends should spank them slightly with a wicker twig. It gives a charge of beauty and health for the whole year.

Five-Petalled Rose Celebrations dedicated to the ancient history and cultural customs of Bohemia are held in Český Krumlov in June every year. Within the framework of historical reconstructions, guests of the festival can watch knight tournaments, all kinds of performances, masquerades, and much more, all against the backdrop of a colorful fair on the territory of an ancient castle. A program of the open-air rock festival in Hradec Králové held in July will surely surprise guests with both new talents and performances by well-recognized leaders of this musical genre. The festival includes various theatrical performances, film screenings, and children's parties. One of the most prestigious international film festivals has been held in the spa town of Karlovy Vary since 1946. A festive atmosphere, the opportunity to see world stars of the film industry and just have a good time attract guests to Karlovy Vary every summer.

In September, Baroque Arts Festival is held in Cesky Krumlov Castle. Many connoisseurs of this style, opera and theater come to the Czech Republic for the sake of participating in this special event. The culmination of the holiday is grand fireworks, which have long become one of the main symbols of the festival. In the autumn, harvest holidays are celebrated in many Czech wine regions. Besides grape harvesting, the program includes wine tasting, visits to wine cellars, numerous entertainment events, processions through the cities, holiday fireworks, and street parties. In October, the Festival Of Light is held in the historic center of the Czech capital. At this time, many Prague buildings are colored with light shows and installations. The city's attractions appear in a completely new perspective.