Bohemian Carnival

WHERE: Prague, Czech Republic
WHEN: from 09 to 13 February 2024

The people of Prague like to call it with the original name Masopust. Internationally, it is the Bohemian Carnival, one of the main winter events in the Czech Republic. An event that, little or nothing, has to envy the most famous European events such as Nice or Venice. And it is in Venice, and Italy, that the Bohemian Carnival draws its greatest inspiration. An event that combines colors, creativity and charm.

The whole Czech Republic dresses up during the Bohemian Carnival. Let yourself be carried away by dances, songs, incredible sets, costumes, masks and endless parties, through the streets of the various Czech cities. Prague is one of the most magical and suggestive frames. Its wonderful squares. Its streets. The incredible and impressive monuments. Its romantic bridges. A truly unique scenario is as fantastic as few others in the world.

And for an even more incredible and unique experience, don’t miss the celebrations in the small village of Hlinecko, about 150 kilometers from the capital. An event that has not gone unnoticed even by UNESCO, so much so that it has been included in the intangible cultural heritage of humanity!

The origins of the Bohemian Carnival date back to the 13th century, probably linked to the cult of the God of wine. Masopust, yesterday as today, was a time of celebration and fun. Many used to organize their wedding during this joyful and cheerful period. Even today there are those who follow the tradition.

The celebrations of the Bohemian Carnival in Prague begin as early as January and continue until Shrove Tuesday. And to fully experience the magic of Prague’s Bohemian Carnival, don’t miss all the events that frame the Masopust and traditional festivals. In January and February, in fact, many concerts and dances, carriage rides, and Venetian gondola rides along the suggestive waters of the Vltava await you in the city.

PRACTICAL INFO BOHEMIAN CARNIVAL

HOW TO GET

Prague-Ruzyne is the international airport serving the city, located just ten kilometers from the center. The airport is well connected with the main European and non-European destinations. From the airport, bus 119, or alternatively the 100, allows you to get to the center.

The most important events of the Prague Bohemian Carnival 2020 take place in the streets of the center. The latter, well served by public transport, can be easily explored on foot.

THE MAIN EVENTS

The Baroque Clam-Gallas Palace, near the Old Town Square, hosts the traditional masked ball which marks the official start of the Prague Bohemian Carnival. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven once performed here. Right here, an entire hall is dedicated to Carnival.

Classical music and elegant costumes await you in a masked ball from the past. Reservations are required. Obviously, it is mandatory to dress up.

Other festivals, however, are organized in some symbolic places of the city, such as the Prague Towers or the Charles Bridge Museum. Another symbol of Prague’s Bohemian Carnival is the floating parade on the Vltava aboard a boat. From the river you can admire all the colors of the festival, with a truly fascinating and evocative vision.

Among the most anticipated events there are certainly the parades with allegorical floats. Appointment Tuesday 13 February 2024, through the streets of the center. The characters are those linked to the Czech tradition, each with a specific task and meaning. You will find the straw men, people dressed as mare, chimney sweeps, the boss’s wife, the old lady dragging a bear …