(Prague, May 2009) When visiting historic cities, castles and chateaux, do you wonder how was the life there at the time of their greatest glory? You can experience this personally at historic celebrations in the Czech Republic: try delicacies at a medieval fair, cheer on knights in their jousts, or amuse yourself by watching the performance of jugglers and musicians. The adventurous journey to the past begins!
In Český Krumlov, it will be easy for you to believe that you’ve found yourself in a period that is several centuries in the past. One of the most beautiful historic cities in Europe celebrates the 700th anniversary from its founding. Its three-day renaissance festival, the Five-Petalled Rose Celebrations (19–21 June 2009), will host musicians, jugglers, fencers and merchants, evoking together the busy atmosphere of a medieval festival. Friday’s programme on the main stages at Svornost square and in the gardens of Eggenberg brewery will provide performances from jugglers, drummers and knights. On Saturday, a historical parade of characters in period costumes representing significant personages from the history of Český Krumlov will pass through the centre of the city. In the evening, the city will be lit up by the Night of Fire that will include an impressive fire procession. Live chess, a parade and other interesting performances will amuse the audience on Sunday, too.In the 15the century, Kutná Hora stood among the richest of Czech cities thanks to its silver mines. Its historic festival, The Royal Silvering (20–21 June 2009), recollects this period of prosperity and fame for the city that is today a UNESCO-listed heritage site. The daily working rhythm in the mines and mint falls silent, and the city prepares itself for the arrival of the Czech and Roman king Wenceslas IV with his courtiers. Miners prepare the welcome for the king, the fair is commencing, spirited knights are coming to the city to participate in the tournaments as well as the noble festivities with St. John’s fires. St. Barbora’s Cathedral resounds with celebratory fanfares welcoming the king and the queen as well as the citizens of Kutná Hora to the Sunday Silver Mass. The bright colourfulness of High Gothic and hundreds of historical costumes make these celebrations an unforgettable event.
The city of Pilsen in Western Bohemia is home to not only the famous Pilsner beer but also to traditional and distinctive historic weekends. This year, at the weekend from 12 to 14 June, groups of historical fencers, musicians, actors and dancers will perform at several stages in the city centre. The old traditions will be brought back to life by guilds of blacksmiths, bakers, butchers and brewers. You will take a look into their “kitchen” and, moreover, you will have an opportunity to experience some of their crafts first-hand. On Saturday, 12 June, the greatest number of ghosts and ghouls of all time will endeavour to assemble here in order to enter The Guinness Book of Records.
UNESCO recognised the renaissance chateau and historic city centre of Telč by registering them in the prestigious world’s heritage list. This year’s Historic Festivities of Zachariáš from Hradec (14–15 August 2009) will also comprise the great celebrations for the 910th anniversary of the city’s founding. The celebrations will include fencing, music, dancing and theatre performances accompanied by period attractions and a medieval fair.
These additional historic festivals also invite you to take an adventurous journey into the past:
Miners’ parade in Jihlava (19–21 June 2009)
The Golden Salt Route Celebrations in Prachatice (26–27 June 2009)
Caesar’s Day in Kadan (29 August 2009)
Tábor Meetings Festival (11–13 September 2009)
