Spring, the most beautiful season of year, is a time to fall in love. In the Czech Republic, spring traditions associated with love are still observed. These can also be incorporated into your romantic break which can end in a very special way – perhaps even with a wedding at one of the country’s exquisite castles and chateaux.
The most romantic chateaux for a wedding in the Czech Republic
Kisses under the cherry tree
Kiss the one you love on May 1st under a cherry tree in blossom! Tradition dictates that you’ll be health in the coming year, and that your love will stand the test of time. May 1st is celebrated in the Czech lands as a special day for all those in love.
Did you know…?
The May pole
In the Slovácko Region of the Czech Republic the single men folk still head out into the woods on April 30 to fell the tallest and most attractive tree they can find, in order to make a May pole by the following morning. This is a traditional symbol of spring. They cut the crown off the tree and decorate the top with flowers and ribbons. The May pole must be guarded overnight, as losing it to a rival village could be very embarrassing indeed.
Useful Information
For holding a wedding in the Czech Republic, foreign citizens are required by law to have:
- A valid passport
- An official birth certificate
- An attestation of the legal right of both parties to conclude the wedding, which must contain their names and surnames, dates and places of birth, permanent address, citizenship and current marital state. Divorced persons must also supply a divorce certificate, while widowed persons must include the death certificate of the deceased partner.
- Confirmation of legal presence in the Czech Republic, issued by the Czech Immigration Police (no older than 7 working days)
Tips for the visitor:
If you are planning a wedding in the Czech Republic, make sure to arrange your ceremony well in advance. For the most popular locations, the waiting list can be up to several months long!
Did you know...?
Burning of the witches
Since time immemorial people have believed that there are days when evil forces have more powers than at other times of the year. This is particularly true of the night between April 30 and May 1, when fires were lit on raised ground to protect against witches. The tradition is still alive today: in the evening thousands of fires are lit across the Czech Republic, and women and girls dance around them dressed as witches. It is one of the most enjoyable celebrations in the calendar.
