Thursday, December 24, 2015
Christmas in the Czech Republic
December 24 - "Štědrý Den" (in English: Generous Day)One of the most important thing for Christmas is baking cookies and sweets. We do start in advance, usually when the Advent starts. We bake gingerbreads, vanilla rolls, wasp nests or Linz cookies with marmelade. Then you have to have a new year's resolution to lose some weight. :)
We celebrate Christmas on December 24 and open the present this evening as well. The programm is simple - watching fairy tales on TV all day long.
In the old days, this day used to be a fasting day. People would only eat a bit or nothing at all. These days, this tradition is still being kept or at least well known. Can you imagine not to eat all day and wait for dinner? According the tradition, if you fast all day, you will see "the golden piglet" on the wall. The main food which is served during the Christmas day is "Vánočka" for breakfast - a sweet coloured bread which is delicious with butter or jam or even without anything.
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| Vánočka/ Image: maskrtnica.cz |
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| Dinner on Christmas Eve/Image: radio.cz |
However, you can find people who don't like carp so they eat salmon instead. As the carp has own unique taste, which not everyone likes and it has a quite lot of bones (not good for children), Czechs have fried schnitzels on the table as well. We do believe that if you put one of the fish-scales into your wallet, it will bring you more money the next year. Traditional soup for the Christmas dinner is a fish soup. Dessert is also served, it can be ice-cream with cream or apple strudel.
During the dinner, it is a tradition which does not allow to stand up and leave the table as one the member sitting there will die. You can leave the table til you are all finished with your meal.
After dinner, families sing the carols or they listen them during the dinner. Czech children believe that presents are brought by "Ježíšek" (Baby Jesus) who comes to the room with Christmas tree through the window which you left open before the dinner. So as Santa Clause, even Ježíšek receives the wish letter from children few days before Christmas. Now, it is time to open your presents which are under the Christmas tree. You are eating sweets you baked and spend some time together. This tradition has couple of positives - you will look good on photos and you can sleep as long as you want on the next day. After, you opened all presents, it is about 7PM and the main fairy tales start on TV.
After having dinner and opening presents, it is time for other traditions. Girls can throw a shoe behind their back and if the front of the shoe is pointing out to the door, the girl will be married the next year.
You can also cut apples in half. If you find a star shape in the core, you will be healthy and happy. If not, you won't.
Favourite tradition is making ships from the walnut shells and small candles and putting them into water in the wash-basin. If the ships are swimming nicely all together, you will be all happy in the family. If one ships drowns, it means break-up or crisis.
Other popular tradition is pouring the heated lead into cold water. Then you take your lead from the water and try to find what this shape means for you.
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| Image: users.prf.jcu.cz |
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| Image: womanonly.topzine.cz |
Some people end Christmas Eve by attending the Christmas mass (Vánoční mše), which usually starts at midnight in churches.
December 25 & 26
During these days, meals are not that strict as on the Christmas Eve. Meals vary from families or regions. On St. Stephen's Day the tradition is to eat roasted turkey or goose with dumplings.
Families usually stay at home and relax or visit relatives such as grandparents to share with them this special time.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
How to spend December in Prague
Sport:Christmas Night Run - 19.12. Jan Palach Square
Running race for 5 km through the city centre of Prague. Registration is still possible: http://www.night-run.cz/registrace.html
Headlamp is necessity to avoid any injuries (you will be running at dark). Christmas hats or costumes are possible and welcome to wear.
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| Image: informuji.cz |
Festivals:
designSupermarket - 10. - 13.12. Kafka House
4 days full of young and professional design. You can visit exhibition, presentations, workshop, party or just buy something you like.
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| Image: kalendarakci.atlasceska.cz |
Handcrafts - open daily 9AM - 6PM
You have chance to see numerous craft workshops, for example wooworking, basket, ceramic, textiles, glass, metal, tailor, cobbler or bookbinding one.
Christmas markets all over Prague - til 3.1.2016
The biggest markets are easily found at the Old Town Square or the Wenceslas Square. You can also admire the biggest Christmas tree in Czech republic at the Old Town Square with hot wine in one hand and trdelnik in the other.
Christmas at the Old Town Square 24. - 27.12.
Enjoy the festive season this year at the Old Town Square. You can taste traditional Czech fish soup on December 24 from 1-3PM or the church mass from 9-10PM the same day. Other Christmas days you can listen other concert or watch fairy tales.
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| Image: prague.athome-network.com |
Children:
Night Zoo 4.12. - 19.12.
Do you love animals? Are you trying to entertain you kids while staying in Prague? Take them to the Night Zoo and see how the animals live after sunset. Tours are starting at 5PM or 5:30PM at the main entrance of the Zoo. The first of both tours is recommended for children.
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| Image: cz.marys.cz |
New Years Eve. How to spend this night in Prague? Here is the list of some of the many events happening in Prague. http://www.restaurant-guide.cz/en/restaurant-new-year.html.
The list presents all tasty restaurants in Prague with prices for this night.
As you can spend the Christmas at the Old Town Square, the New Years Eve programm is also ready for this place. Just be ready it will get crowded during the night. The programm starts at 1PM with a revue for families, magicians show and other attractions for children. Children programm ends at 6PM when the adults show is starting til midnight.
So how are you going to spend your December holidays in Prague?
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| Image: private-prague-guide.com |
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Top 10 Things in Prague in October
Colorful autumn is here so as our October list of events in Prague. You can still enjoy sightseeing, now without thousands of tourists but with your coat on. Today, we bring you our top 10 events which are worth to visit.Prague’s sights will be again lightened as in the previous years. This popular event is coming back with its video mappings and interactive and light installations.
Our tip: visit the festival during Thursday or Friday, weekend is usually very crowded.
Video from the last year:
Designblok/ Prague Design and Fashion Week 22. - 27.10.
Designblok is the international largest design event in Czech Republic focused on the latest trends!
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| Designblok / Image: ekonom.ihned.cz |
Prague Halloween Walk 30.10.
On Friday the people of Prague will unite in Halloween fashion and walk through the city centre in what is expect to be the largest to costume walk ever in the Czech Republic!
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| Image: wholelifechallenge.com |
Apple & Cider Festival 9. - 10.10.
The apple festival is being held at Jiřího z Poděbrad Square. Come and taste different finest ciders, apple pies or apple compotes while listening the live music. Also, theatre for children will be there.
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| Image: praha.eu |
Taste the traditional meals of Vietnam this Saturday! Restaurant will cook for you all day. Entrance fee: 50 CZK and we recommend to buy the tickets in advance online.
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| Image: kqed.org |
Prague Cake Festival 17.10.
First year of this unique sweet festival. Come and try cupcakes, muffins, cakes, pies and other sweet delicatessen. Entrance fee: 150 CZK and tickets are still available.
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| Image: facebook.com |
Goose & Cider festival 17.10.
October is all about food! Náplavka will be on 17th full of goose pate, goose burgers, baked goose and cider as well. Admission free.
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| Image: zesterdaily.com |
Richard Clayderman - Live with strings 20.10.
We are happy to welcome this famous French pianist in Prague. Do not hesitate and buy your ticket now!
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| Image: informuji.cz |
Event dedicated to all coffee maniacs and fans is finally happening again.
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| Image: prague.eu |
Prague Indian Film Festival 7. - 11.10.
Indian movies, documentaries and the Indian party, all in the city centre of Prague!
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| Image: bollywood.cz |
Thursday, September 3, 2015
How to spend September in Prague
Even though the main summer holidays are already over, Prague can still offer many events to enjoy the capital city differently than sightseeing only. We bring you our list of September events which are worth to visit. All events below are provided with links to the official information website.SHOPPPING:
Prague Fashion Night 23.9. 5PM- 10PM
Shops at Pařížská street and others around will be open till 10PM with their special programm. All shopping maniacs can enjoy discount, light snacks or Czech celebrities around.
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| Prague Fashion Night / Image: krasna.nova.cz |
BBQ party 12. - 13.9.
First year of the new festival of the American BBQ. Two days full of food, music and many more right in the city centre along the river. Entrance 50 CZK, children for free.
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| BBQ party / Image: venuelook.com |
Day before the Saint Wenceslas, the National holiday, pubs and restaurants will offer special Saint Wencaslas beers, beer special. Click on the link and find out the nearest pubs.
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| Day of the Czech beer / Image: mam.ihned.cz |
Enjoy the wine in the oldest Czech wineyard at the Prague Castle. Have a seat and take a pleasure in the amazing view.
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| Saint Wenceslas wine harvest / Image: villarichter.cz |
Discover the talent of the Czech and foreign vine-growers in beautiful Kampa area.
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| Vineyard on Kampa / Image: marmelady.info |
Dvořákova Praha 6. - 23.9.
International music festival is definitely recommended for all fans of the classical music. Programme is full of beautiful concerts this year.
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| Dvořákova Praha / Image: czechbussinesclub.cz |
SPECIAL:
Blood Moon - Total Lunar Eclipse 28.9.
Special blood moon will be possible to watch not only in Prague but in the whole Europe.
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| Blood Moon / Image: digitaltrends.com |
140th anniversary of the Prague public transport
Prague public transport celebrates anniversary and special programme is prepared for all. You can visit the tram parade or have a ride with the historical metro coach (line C).
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| 140 years of the public transport in Prague / Image: mhd140.cz |
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Things to do in August
If you get a chance to spend August in Prague, see below the list of recommended events which we will be definitely visiting.FOOD & DRINK events:
Restaurant Day Prague 16.8.
A food carnival when anyone can open a restaurant, cafe or a bar for a day. It can happen anywhere: at your home, at the office, on a street corner in your garden or at a park.
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| Restaurant Day Prague / Image: www.citybee.cz |
Čajomír Fest = OpenAir Tea Festival 23.8.
Seventh year of this festival brings tea presentations from the tea enthusiats along with other delicatessen, music or ceramic exhibition.
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| Čajomír fest / Image: www.lidovky.cz |
F.O.O.D. Picnic 29.8.
Another annual picnic from the Czech food magazine where you can sit, relax and enjoy all the food around. Admission free.
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| F.O.O.D. picnic / Image: www. delimano.cz |
Naplavka Street Food Festival 29.8. 10AM - 9PM
Food trucks and cuisine from the whole world - indian, american, morrocan, spanish, dutch and many more. All you can taste at Naplavka and sit along the river. Admission is 30 CZK.
Prague Ice Cream Festival 30.8.
In this heat, we are certainly looking forward to this event. Come and have fun with family and friends to the celebration of all kinds of ice cream. Refresh yourself with favourite local and world manufacturers. Admission is 110 CZK.
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| Ice Cream Festival / Image: www.festaky.cz |
MUSIC event:
Overtone festival 15.8.
The new music festival will be at beautiful Riegerovy sady. Overtone festival will be happening four times a year, always in different place in Prague or Brno. In this August edition you can look forward to German duo Milky Chance or the Dannich The Asteroid Galaxy Tour. Tickets are still available.
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| Overtone Festival / Image: www.festivaly.eu |
Prague Pride Week 10. - 16.8.
Prague Pride is not just the Saturday parade but a whole week of cultural, social, sport and spiritual activities. Programme for this year comprises of over 120 events, including concerts of Aneta Langerova or Austian Eurovision contest winner Conchita Wurst.
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| Prague Pride / Image: www.media4us.cz |
Letní Letná 16.8. - 3.9.
A Prague tradition now in its 12th year, this contemporary circus festival is so much more with a staggering line-up of performances and activities on offer.
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| Letní Letná circus / Image: www.zena-in.cz |
Saturday, July 11, 2015
What to do in July
Summer is here, in its full beauty so as hot days and pleasant nights. If you are visiting Prague this month, we prepared a list of events which you should not miss out. In most of them (if not all of them), we will be there as well. So what is happening in July in Prague?FOOD & DRINK events:
Fair Fair = Finger Food Festival 11.7.
First year of this new food festival and we are very curious about it. Festival without forks, knifes, just snacks, tapas, sandwiches and many other finger food.
Dogs, children and food lovers are more than welcome.
Admission free.
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| Finger Food festival/ Image: www.festivalguide.cz |
French Market on Kampa 14. - 19.7.
One of popular food events in Prague. Get a glass of wine or champagne, grab a few macaroons and enjoy Franch music playing around. Market is taking place in beautiful Kampa which is just a jump from the Old Town and you can actually see this market from the Charles Bridge.
If you do not want to lose your time, you can buy some French delicatesse and continue with your sightseeing.
Admission free.
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| French Market/ Image: www.praguepost.com |
ART & THEATRE events:
Pure Vintage 12.7.
Exhibition and sale of Summer season Vintage Collections from the 1920s to 1980s. Hand-picked by some of Pragues leading collectors of vintage clothing and accessoried. Admission is free.
The Da Vinci Inventions
Inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci are being brought back to life in Prague. Experience Da Vinci as one of the greatest genius in history and be inspired by his unique work as an artist, scientist and inventor.
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| Da Vinci sketches/ Image: www.thinglink.com |
Behind the Door Street Theatre Festival 13. - 18.7.
Street theatre is going to light up the streets of Prague! 7th year of Prague street theatre festival is called Behind the Door and will offer several novelties. You can look forward to seeing the stars of street theatre from all over the world. This year the festival will be held not only at usual places in Wenceslas and Jungmann Squares in the city centre but also on the premises of the Prague Exhibition Grounds.
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| Behind the Door Festival/ Image: www.tanecniaktuality.cz |
FOR KIDS:
Knights Days 11. - 12.7. Gardens of the Prague Castle
Someone interested in the life of mediaeval knights? Event suitable for children and their parents and for everyone dreaming about the life in mediaeval period. Brave knights will show you their skills in the knight tournament (three times a day). Visitors can also visit camp of knights or listen the traditional music. Also, a place for the smallest ones. Children can enjoy different tasks in the camp of knights.
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| Knight Days/ Image: www.kamsdetmi.com |
MUSIC & FILM events:
Bohemia Jazz Fest 9. - 19.7. Old Town Square
Out-door concerts presenting world-class jazz acts in the stunning historical area of Prague.
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| Bohemia Jazz Fest/ Image: www.cma.cz |
Violin beauty and world sensation returns to Prague with her mix of dubstep, dance and classical music. Tickets are still available.
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| Lindsey Stirling/ Image: www.mmusicmag.com |
Prague Film Summer 1.7. - 31.8.
You can enjoy summer open-air cinemas or this festival taking place in cinemas around the city centre. Admission is 40 CZK/ person.
Prague Folklore Days 23. - 25.7.
A colourful summer festival of folk dance troupes and folk choirs.
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| Prague Folklore Days/ Image: www.praha.eu |
Saturday, June 6, 2015
What to do in June
June is getting warm, sun is shining and summer is starting. That is why the events are held mainly in outside. You can take a moment from all the sightseeing and enjoy one of the following events:FOOD & DRINK events:
Del Gusto Italiano Festival 4.6. - 7.6.
First year of this Italian event. 3 days full of italian specialities and music. Italy in Prague :)
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| Del Gusto Italiano / Image: www.mistnikultura.cz |
Any fans of wine here?
Pivo na Hrad 12. - 13.6. 14:00 - 20:00
Or beer fans? For those ones we have mini-brewery festival in the Prague Castle. Mini-brewery sometimes present different and tastes of our national drink, so this event we can highly recommend.
Apetit picnic 20.6. 10:00 - 22:00
Spend a day eating and tasting new flavours. As every year, you have a chance to buy food and drinks from the amateur or professional cooks. Admission free. We will be there!
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| Apetit picnic /Image: cizinka.cz |
Mattoni cocktail Festival 2015 21.6. 20:00 - 23:00
Do you want to try new drinks while watching bartenders competition or live music?
Visit then the Old Town Square on June 21st.
MUSIC & FILM events:
Aperol Spritz open air cinema
During summer, you can visit and watch films in the area of Zlute lazne.
Evenings might be cold and full of mosquitos, so take a jacket and repellent with you.
The cinema starts of June 9th with film The Great Beauty.
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| Aperol Spritz cinema / Image: Media Guru |
Respect Festival 2015 13.6. - 14.6.
Eighteenth edition of the longest running Czech world-music festival internationally known for its adventurous and innovative programming. As traditionally festival will bring performances of artists from different parts of world, who are well known internationaly and will perform in Czech Republic for first time. Festival area will also serve as open-air gallery. Program for children is part of the festival as in the past.
Open air concert 2015 17.6. 20:20 - 22:00
Want to listen Smetana, Gerschwitz or Rachmaninov by the Czech Philharmonic? Do not miss out the closure of their season and visit open-air right in the city centre. We think it is a beautiful ending of the day after all the sightseeing. Admission free.
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| Open air concert / Image: Česká filharmonie |
United Islands 2015 18.6. - 20.6.
International multi-genre festival in Prague is one the most popular events in the city.
SPORT events:
Prague riverside cross 16.6. 15:00 - 21:00
Exhibition race where you can see elite athletes from slalom canoeing battling against each other with unique connection with popular biathlon shooting range. Admission free.
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| Riverside Cross / Image: www.redbull.com |
Canoe slalom is one of the olympic discipline and Prague is hosting the World Cup this year. Admission 70 CZK (3€).
OTHER recommended events:
Holi open air Prague 20.6. 12:00 - 22:00
Music, fun and colours. That is the festival inspired by the Indian Holi.
Museum night 13.6. - 14.6. 19:00 - 01:00
Main mission is to offer visitors a chance to visit cultural sites at night (7.00 p. m to 1.00 a. m.) and provide free admission and transport.
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| Museum night / Image: www.praguezones.cz |
Gardens, parks and orchards which are normally closed, will be open for public during this weekend all over the country to enjoy the greens and summer.
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| Open gardens weekend / Image: www.praha.eu |
