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WHERE: Hlinsko, Czech Republic
WHEN: from 10 to 13 February 2024
The Masopust of Prague is a lavish party that takes its inspiration from the Venetian Carnival.
It is, however, in the Czech hinterland that the Carnival remains particularly linked to its origins, to the peasant rites and arcane meanings.
A story that is handed down from generation to generation.
A Hlinsko, and throughout the surrounding region, you will not find elegant buildings or pompous ceremonies.
Here, the Carnival is celebrated as a time. The Procession passes from house to house, knocking on doors, wishing happiness and fortune.
It is in these villages, at 150 km from Prague, that you will experience the spirit of the Carnival of the past.
The Hlinecko Carnival has not gone unnoticed even by UNESCO, which has decided to include it in the immaterial heritage of humanity, in the 2010.
Ad Hamry and, above all, Hlinsko, are waiting for extraordinary celebrations, colorful processions and ancient masks, red and black, made by hand. And, of course, the traditional local fairs where you can taste the typical liver sausages and black pudding.
Photo ©, Donald Judge
PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET
Prague is the starting point to reach Hlinsko and attend the Hlinecko Carnival. By plane, you land at the international airport of Prague-Ruzyne, one of the most important, and trafficked, of Central and Eastern Europe. The airport, in fact, is connected with direct flights to many European and non-European destinations.
To reach Hlinsko from the airport, it is preferable to use the car. You can hire one directly at the airport. In about two hours, crossing the D1 / E50 highway and the 34 Road, you will arrive at your destination.
However, those who want to use public transport only need to reach the center of Prague from the airport. In this regard, there are several solutions: take a look at this link.
From the Central Station, you have to reach Pardubice, and, from the latter, you move to Hlinsko.
HLINECKO CARNIVAL 2024 MAIN EVENTS
It is during the celebrations of the Fat Tuesday, this year the 13th February 2024, that the Hlinecko Carnival finds its maximum expression.
Do not miss the colorful procession, from the 09:00 to the 16:30.
Soubor lidových staveb Vysočina, Hlinsko it is a real outdoor folklore museum, with fantastic houses. A spectacular landscape, with wooden houses, and ancient objects that will take you in a distant time.
In the house at the N.362, you will find an interesting exhibition on ancient Hlinsko masks and a children’s art gallery.
Vesely Kopec is open every day, in winter, generally, from 09:00 to 16:00 and, in summer, from 09: 00 to 18:00. Closed from 10 to 31 December.
A few hundred meters away you will find a large parking area.
WHERE TO SLEEP
If Hlinsko is not just a trip out of town, you might consider the idea of sleeping at least one night.
Among the many options, we recommend the excellent Hlinsko apartment,excellent value for money, in the central area.
A fully equipped kitchen is available.
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. An outdoor pool is also available. Hlinsko apartment also includes a barbecue. Guests can use the garden in fair weather.
It also has free private parking.
For a terrace apartment with a bath, you pay €28 per night. Info and reservations from this link.
*The program, timetable and all information contained herein are for information purposes only and are not to be considered OFFICIAL
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