Page 54 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Prague

52  INTRODUCING PR A GUE
PRAGUE THROUGH THE YEAR

Springtime in Prague sees the city burst The year often draws to a close with snow on
into colour as its gardens start to bloom. the streets. The ball season starts in December,
Celebrations begin with the Prague Spring and in the coldest months, most events are
Music Festival. In summer, visitors are held indoors. At Prague Castle, an all-year-
entertained by street performers and the city’s round attraction is the changing of the guard
glorious gardens come into their own. When around midday. For details of activities, check
the weather begins to turn cooler, Prague the listings magazines (see p224–5) or the
hosts the Strings of Autumn music festival. Prague Information Service (see p224–5).

brooms are burnt on bonfires,
in a symbolic act to rid nature
of evil spirits.
May
Labour Day (1 May). Public
holiday celebrated with
numerous cultural events.
Mozart’s Prague (early May).
Celebration of Mozart.
International orchestras perform
in music halls and churches.
Anniversary of Prague
Uprising (5 May). At noon,
sirens are sounded for one
Concert at Wallenstein Palace during the Prague Spring Music Festival minute. Flowers are laid at the
commemorative plaques of
March those who died (see p36).
Spring
Young Bohemia Prague (March). Day of Liberation from Fascism
As Prague sees its first rays of International festival which (8 May). Public holiday for VE day.
spring sunshine, the city comes celebrates young musicians – Wreaths are laid on the graves
alive. A mass of colours, blooms orchestras and choirs perform of soldiers at Olšany cemeteries.
and cultural events makes this and compete. Prague International Book Fair
one of the most exciting times (third week in May), Industrial
of the year to visit. The city’s April Palace (see p162). The best of
blossoming parks and gardens Boat trips (1 April). A number Czech and international authors.
open their gates again, after of boats begin trips up and Prague Food Festival (last
the colder months of winter. down the Vltava. weekend in May). Great food, top
During April, the temperatures Witch-burning (30 April), at the chefs and a fun atmosphere at
rise and an entertainment Exhibition Ground (see p162). this festival of Czech gastronomy.
programme begins – dominated Concerts accompany this 500- Prague International
by the Prague International year-old tradition where old Marathon (dates vary).
Spring Music Festival.
The Prague Spring International Music Festival
Easter
Easter Monday (dates vary) This international festival presents a busy programme of
is a public holiday. Easter is concerts, ballet and opera from 12 May to 3 June. Music lovers
observed as a religious holiday can hear a huge selection of music played by some of the best
but it is also associated with a musicians in the world. The main venue is the
bizarre pagan ritual in which Rudolfinum (see p86) but others include
Czech men beat their women churches and palaces – some of which are only
with willow sticks in order to open to the public on these occasions. The
keep them fertile during the festival begins on the anniversary of Bedřich
coming year. The women Smetana’s death (see p81). A service is
retaliate by throwing water held at his grave in Vyšehrad (see
p180), and in the evening there
over their male tormentors. is a concert at the Municipal House
Peace is finally restored when (see p66) where musicians perform
the women present the men his most famous work, Má Vlast (My
with a painted egg. Church Country). Municipal House is also
services are held during the where the festival ends. Bedřich Smetana
entire Easter period.

052-053_EW_Prague.indd 52 20/03/17 11:28 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Seasonal template “UK” LAYER
(SourceReport v1.2)
Date 2nd August 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm