{"id":2375,"date":"2015-12-04T13:52:29","date_gmt":"2015-12-04T11:52:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/parosparadise.com\/CzechMates\/?page_id=2375"},"modified":"2020-11-26T16:01:39","modified_gmt":"2020-11-26T16:01:39","slug":"annual-events-calendar","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/parosparadise.com\/CzechMates\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual Events Calendar & Home Page"},"content":{"rendered":"

Please Click For Current Blog Posts<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Welcome to our site about life in the Czech Republic. \u00a0We have lived and traveled here for several years. \u00a0Please browse or search the site for our personalized travel guide to Prague and Czechia. \u00a0Start here for our favorite places<\/a> or here for trips around the region.<\/a><\/p>\n

This annual events calendar\u00a0is such a major project; it is impossible for one person to keep up with all the events taking place. \u00a0So I have been slow in starting but here we go . . \u00a0one step at a time.<\/p>\n

We first came to Prague because we heard how beautiful it was. \u00a0We came back because there was so much to see and do we wanted more. \u00a0Now several years later we are still over whelmed by all the events, festivals, fairs, shows, etc.–far more than we have the energy to attend and far more than I can keep up with here.<\/p>\n

So I am just going to hit a few highlights in my standard personalized guide manner\u00a0and perhaps thereby give you hints for what to search for on this CzechMates site or on the internet. \u00a0Be warned that precise details for local\u00a0events are frequently hard to come by; many times you have to be prepared to search with your feet in the neighborhood and be disappointed at not finding what you expected. Though sometimes we have had our expectations exceeded and gained a memorable experience to last a lifetime.<\/p>\n

\"Christmas<\/a><\/p>\n

Since our first trip to Prague was in December<\/a> I will start there.<\/p>\n

DECEMBER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Christmas Markets<\/span>: \u00a0We love them and even travel to neighbouring cities to experience theirs. \u00a0Prague may have more markets scattered around the city than Vienna but we found Vienna grander. \u00a0<\/p>\n

\"St.St. Mikulas<\/span>: \u00a0Dec 5 is the best day to experience the joy of children at Christmas. \u00a0Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

Christmas Eve<\/span>: \u00a0The Prague Mayor and helpers serve free soup to whomever is willing to wait in line in Old Town Square.<\/p>\n

New Year’s Eve<\/span>: \u00a0My personalized report from 2010<\/a>. \u00a02014 Update: \u00a0Fireworks moved to New Year’s Day–well worth the jammed trams and Metro getting there; start early.<\/p>\n

JANUARY:<\/h2>\n

Three Kings Day (Epiphany) Eve<\/span>: \u00a0Balthasar, Caspar and Melchior riding camels from in front of Prague Castle to Loreta Square (Loret\u00e1nsk\u00e9 n\u00e1m\u011bst\u00ed). \u00a0Traditional fun.<\/p>\n

Prague Short Film Festival<\/span> is held by organizers of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. \u00a0Jan 2015 had over 80 short films from 32 countries<\/p>\n

Near the end of January a new tradition has developed: \u00a0Tourism Night Out for Locals<\/a> \u00a0 Sorry, not for visitors, but a cool idea that should be used elsewhere.<\/p>\n

FEBRUARY:<\/h2>\n

\"pig<\/a>Masopust:<\/span> \u00a0The Czech equivalent to carnival is a moveable feast held at a location near you sometime between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday. \u00a0Though based upon the Easter schedule I do not think of it as religious; to me it is equivalent to Pig Slaughter<\/a>. \u00a0For 2016 Masopust in our local square, Jiriho z Podebrad, is February 6, 7 & 9. \u00a0It is more commonly held in March.<\/p>\n

Febiofest:<\/span> –2016 held in March<\/strong>\u00a0 “The Prague International Film Festival annually offers the best films from prestigious festivals around the world – including award-winning films from Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, San Sebastian and other world-class festivals, as well as several Oscar nominated films.” \u00a0This is what their web site<\/a> says; all I know is they have a huge selection of great films at bargain prices. \u00a0We enjoyed meeting a Director and a Star<\/a>.<\/p>\n

MARCH:<\/h2>\n

Pol\u00edvkov\u00e1n\u00ed:<\/em><\/span> (2nd Year is on 19 Mar 16) \u00a0In my mind Czechs are as famous for their \"Soup<\/a>soups as for their beers. \u00a0This Soup Festival shows they are just as popular; which is a problem that I have written about before<\/a>. \u00a0Summary: \u00a0for any festival held at\u00a0Horejsi Embankment arrive early. \u00a0By the way the menu is crowded as well with a huge selection from nearly every cuisine in the world.<\/p>\n

More Food Festivals in 2016<\/a><\/p>\n

Remember the film festival is in March not February and the Masopust carnival parade has multiple dates in Feb or Mar.<\/p>\n

Good Friday:<\/span> \u00a025 Mar 2016 for the first time\u00a0Good Friday is an official Czech Republic holiday. \u00a0Combined with Easter Monday<\/span> makes a guaranteed 4 day weekend–look for lots of festivities, religious and non . . . (of course, other dates in other years)<\/p>\n

April:<\/h2>\n

Prague has even more music festivals than food festivals. \u00a0As a mature person with limited taste in music I find few that suit me. \u00a0If you are young or just like being around rowdy crowds and loud music, look for\u00a0Maj\u00e1les<\/a>,<\/span>\u00a0a celebration of spring and student\u00b4s life during the whole April at various parks and venues around Prague.<\/p>\n

Easter is early in 2016. \u00a0Normally in April you will find Easter markets in Old Town Square and other squares as well. \u00a0They are the spring time version of the popular Christmas markets. \u00a0Photo<\/a><\/p>\n

30 April 2016 is the date for a brand new food festival AsiaFest.\u00a0 It looks classy and has a cover charge. \u00a0If the food is good, I am sure it will be back.\u00a0 2018 Update:\u00a0 Moved to July and then cancelled, may be back in May 2019.\u00a0 Google it then.<\/p>\n

\"Petrin<\/a>MAY:<\/h2>\n

1 May<\/span> is an official holiday called Labor Day here. \u00a0It is a rare chance to participate in a pagan fertility rite by going to\u00a0Pet\u0159\u00edn hill and kissing under one of the blossoming trees.<\/p>\n

8 May<\/span> is another holiday called Liberation Day but really shouldn’t be, according to me. \u00a0Check it out, if you are interested. For an American the best place to celebrate is Pilsen where they have a big parade and other celebrations of that town’s liberation by the American Army under George Patton. \u00a0The beer is good too!<\/a><\/p>\n

Speaking of which, a couple weeks in May also host The Prague Beer Festival, Czechia’s largest.\u00a0 Unimaginable variety: try one, then another; soon you loose discernment . . . time to quite.<\/p>\n

On variable dates in May (14 & 15 May 2016) is Open House Praha<\/a> in which various public and private buildings that are otherwise closed open all or some of their rooms to the public. \u00a0We usually pick the less popular to avoid the queues; some you have to reserve in advance and are quickly full. \u00a0Well worth the effort if you like architecture and\/or history.<\/p>\n

June:<\/h2>\n

\"Night<\/a>No one needs an excuse to visit Cesky Krumlov<\/a>, the best little town in Cesky, but in mid June you can experience the Five-Petaled Rose Celebration<\/a><\/span> celebrating the medieval rule of the Rosenberg family.<\/p>\n

Hmmm, on June 11, 2016 is the\u00a0Kaleidoskop<\/span> multicultural festival. \u00a0The description looks just like my favourite\u00a0Vibrant Colours International Festival listed below in August.<\/p>\n

JULY:<\/h2>\n

Prague Folklore Days:<\/span> \u00a0On any given weekend in the summer you are likely to stumble \"folk<\/a>on a temporary stage with somebody singing, dancing or playing music. \u00a0We have enjoyed the folk dancing and the choir groups hosted by PragueFestivals.cz \u00a0Check their site for exact dates and locations. \u00a0Be aware though that the average\u00a0participant\u00a0age is a few decades older than this photo.<\/p>\n

Bohemia Jazz Fest:<\/span> \u00a0Mid July extravaganza making Old Town Square even more packed than usual.<\/p>\n

St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day:<\/span> \u00a0Makes 5 July an official holiday.<\/p>\n

Jan Hus Day<\/span>: \u00a0Makes 6 July also an official holiday. \u00a0Both are as much cultural as religious.<\/p>\n

\"Street<\/a>Street theatre is big in Europe and in Prague. \u00a0Sometimes it is great, sometimes awful, but that is the adventure! \u00a0Given the price–free–you can’t go wrong; just walk away from what doesn’t appeal. \u00a0In July there is a big festival with shows scattered around the city over several days. \u00a0Look for Za Dvermi: \u00a011 – 17 – 2016<\/p>\n

AUGUST:<\/h2>\n

Den Bernarda \/ Bernard Day<\/span>: \u00a0I am putting this event in August even though in 2015 it was held in October; Google it for the current year and date. \u00a0In celebration of brewing Bernard Beer since 1597 all pubs with Bernard on tap will sell it for 10 K\u010d a glass! \u00a0You don’t want to miss that.<\/p>\n

Vibrant Colours International Festival: \u00a0Read why this is my favourite<\/a><\/p>\n