700 year anniversary of Charles IV. - fun events

Prague is always full of big events, and this year even more so! 2016 marks the 700th anniversary of the birth of Bohemian King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, whose name and legacy can be found all over Prague and rest of the country. As one of the “Fathers of the Nation,” his legacy is a pretty big deal (to hear more about it, just check out our Charles IV blog) and as such, it seems like the whole country is celebrating this milestone anniversary! While we’d love the opportunity, we’re pretty sure no one will be able to make it to all of the celebrations, which are taking place all year long. Because of this, we’ve laid out the few that we’re most looking forward to below. We hope you get a chance to join in!

One of the earliest events in Prague we’re looking forward to in honor of Charles 700th birthday is coming up soon—the Praga Caroli medieval festival. Held in various spots throughout the city center from May 14th to the 21st, a stroll through Prague will be like a stroll through time as different spots of the city center will be transformed into their medieval counterparts, including markets! There, you’ll be able to sample a day in the life of a medieval Praguer, complete with crafts from the time of Charles IV, people in medieval clothing, and demonstrations of medieval dance, music, and theater. It’s sure to be a fun time for people of any age!

Starting just a day after the medieval festival on May 15th is the exhibition of the crown jewels of Bohemia, held where else, but in Prague’s historic castle complex! While normally the crown jewels are kept under lock and key at the top of St. Vitus Cathedral and are brought out at regular intervals to be displayed to the public each time a new presidential election occurs here in the Czech Republic, this display is a bit different. Gone will be the usual Renaissance era scepter and orb that’s usually displayed with the crown (which Charles IV designed himself)—instead, their gothic counterparts which accompanied the crown during Charles’ reign will take center stage. The gothic insignia showcased are actually replicas that have been painstakingly restored in honor of the occasion, making this display something completely unique and worth seeing!

If you’re interested in music or architecture, then on May 17th, St. Vitus is the place for you! Now that you know all about the gorgeous cathedral’s connection to a certain emperor, we’re sure you’ll agree that it’s the perfect spot for a concert by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra commemorating Charles IV’s lifetime achievements! During the performance, concert goers will be treated to a composition by Petr Erben aptly-named A Tribute to Charles IV, the symphonic poem Praga by Josef Suk, and Antonín Dvořák’s Te Deum. It’s the perfect chance to take in some beautiful music played by the some of the country’s greatest musicians, all while sitting in a space deeply connected to the King of Bohemia and his legacy.

One of the most fun events to commemorate Charles’ reign is also the most tasty! The Prague Food Festival, which is always a highlight of the spring here in the city of a hundred spires, will be held from May 27th to the 29th in the Prague Castle Gardens. Not only will the surroundings be gorgeous (the gardens always are thanks to the hardworking gardeners), but the Food Fest is celebrating a special anniversary—their 10th anniversary—by helping Charles celebrate his big year. It’s sure to be delicious! Bringing together some of the coolest cooking techniques and most accomplished chefs, the festival is also shining a spotlight on the middle ages! This year, in honor of the 700 anniversary, you’ll also be able to try some tasty treats and dishes inspired by the food eaten in the 1300s. If that doesn’t sound cool to you foodie lovers out there, then I’m not sure what will!

As you can see, May will be a busy month for us here in Prague, but don’t worry, the fun continues throughout the year! For more information on these events and any others in the future,  check out the official website here and come to Prague! Let us know when you get here and Alena will certainly show you all of the best sights, sounds, and festivities! Happy travels!

2016 marks the 700th anniversary of the birth of Bohemian King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, whose name and legacy can be found all over Prague and rest of the country. As one of the “Fathers of the Nation,” his legacy is a pretty big deal (to hear more about it, just check out our Charles IV blog) and as such, it seems like the whole country is celebrating this milestone anniversary! While we’d love the opportunity, we’re pretty sure no one will be able to make it to all of the celebrations, which are taking place all year long. Because of this, we’ve laid out the few that we’re most looking forward to below. We hope you get a chance to join in!

One of the earliest events in Prague we’re looking forward to in honor of Charles 700th birthday is coming up soon—the Praga Caroli medieval festival. Held in various spots throughout the city center from May 14th to the 21st, a stroll through Prague will be like a stroll through time as different spots of the city center will be transformed into their medieval counterparts, including markets! There, you’ll be able to sample a day in the life of a medieval Praguer, complete with crafts from the time of Charles IV, people in medieval clothing, and demonstrations of medieval dance, music, and theater. It’s sure to be a fun time for people of any age!

Starting just a day after the medieval festival on May 15th is the exhibition of the crown jewels of Bohemia, held where else, but in Prague’s historic castle complex! While normally the crown jewels are kept under lock and key at the top of St. Vitus Cathedral and are brought out at regular intervals to be displayed to the public each time a new presidential election occurs here in the Czech Republic, this display is a bit different. Gone will be the usual Renaissance era scepter and orb that’s usually displayed with the crown (which Charles IV designed himself)—instead, their gothic counterparts which accompanied the crown during Charles’ reign will take center stage. The gothic insignia showcased are actually replicas that have been painstakingly restored in honor of the occasion, making this display something completely unique and worth seeing!

If you’re interested in music or architecture, then on May 17th, St. Vitus is the place for you! Now that you know all about the gorgeous cathedral’s connection to a certain emperor, we’re sure you’ll agree that it’s the perfect spot for a concert by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra commemorating Charles IV’s lifetime achievements! During the performance, concert goers will be treated to a composition by Petr Erben aptly-named A Tribute to Charles IV, the symphonic poem Praga by Josef Suk, and Antonín Dvořák’s Te Deum. It’s the perfect chance to take in some beautiful music played by the some of the country’s greatest musicians, all while sitting in a space deeply connected to the King of Bohemia and his legacy.

One of the most fun events to commemorate Charles’ reign is also the most tasty! The Prague Food Festival, which is always a highlight of the spring here in the city of a hundred spires, will be held from May 27th to the 29th in the Prague Castle Gardens. Not only will the surroundings be gorgeous (the gardens always are thanks to the hardworking gardeners), but the Food Fest is celebrating a special anniversary—their 10th anniversary—by helping Charles celebrate his big year. It’s sure to be delicious! Bringing together some of the coolest cooking techniques and most accomplished chefs, the festival is also shining a spotlight on the middle ages! This year, in honor of the 700 anniversary, you’ll also be able to try some tasty treats and dishes inspired by the food eaten in the 1300s. If that doesn’t sound cool to you foodie lovers out there, then I’m not sure what will!

As you can see, May will be a busy month for us here in Prague, but don’t worry, the fun continues throughout the year! For more information on these events and any others in the future,  check out the official website here and come to Prague! Let us know when you get here and Alena will certainly show you all of the best sights, sounds, and festivities! Happy travels!

 

by Brianna Tichy with contributions by Alena