The Embassy of the Czech Republic has the pleasure to share with the media
representatives the beauty and touching atmosphere of the Christmas time in the
Czech Republic and has the honour to submit
the bellow enclosed picture and editorial on the Czech Christmas for free publishing
in the media.
The Embassy of the Czech
Republic would like to
use this festive occasion to thank the approached media representatives for
their kind cooperation through the year 2012 and wish all the best in the New
Year 2013. We hope to build up our cooperation and further strengthen our
relations in the years to come.
Enjoy the Christmas time
Christmas carols sound through the streets, stars of Bethlehem
shine from town squares, and fresh snow crunches underfoot. The scent of
evergreen trees, mulled wine and incense permeates city streets. It’s Christmas
time in the Czech
Republic. Visit the Czech Republic
and see the most beautiful Christmas fairy tale with your own eyes. Christmas
fairs and markets with unique gifts await you in towns and cities as well as at
castles and chateaux. Try some hot wine or mead while observing the craftsmen
at work demonstrating their traditional crafts and trades. There is so much
more to see outside the Czech capital with Christmas markets taking place in
many smaller Czech towns or in the courtyards of numerous castles all over the
country. You can see nativity scenes and live performances. Christmas concerts
at cathedrals or in one of the country’s beautiful concert halls are an
unforgettable experience.
Many Christmas markets take place in the Czech Republic during
advent. Some of them start at the end of November and carry on until the
beginning of January. The Czechs celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, i.e.
December 24. The festive meal is served that day and consists of fish soup then
fried carp accompanied by traditional potato salad. Christmas carp is one of
the symbols of the Czech Christmas. That is why you can spot large tubs full of
fish in the streets of many Czech towns during advent.
After the festive meal the whole family turns to the decorated
Christmas tree where there are presents left behind by Baby Jesus in the Czech
Christmas tradition. At midnight many churches put on a special midnight mass.
Delicious Christmas cookies are an important part of the Czech Christmas. Among
the favorites are vanilla rolls, vanocka – Christmas buns with almonds, butter
cookies with jam or beautifully decorated gingerbread.
If you happen to visit Prague during advent, make sure you take
a walk through the Old Town Square where the largest Christmas market takes
place. There is also a market in Wenceslas
Square where you can enjoy your shopping from
November 27, 2012 until January 5, 2013. Live performances take place on the
main stage and the children’s choirs singing Christmas carols are particularly
memorable. Make sure you taste hot mead, an alcoholic drink made of honey. The
stalls which sell mead usually also offer a great range of bee products
including honey and wax candles. If you are looking for a gift for younger
relatives, the traditional Czech wooden toys on sale will delight them.
For shopping sprees go to the Palladium Shopping Mall at Namesti
Republiky. The Christmas market held here has also plenty to offer. Warm up
with a glass of hot wine, enjoy “trdelnik” – a special sweet pastry made of
rising dough and covered in sugar and almonds. Don’t forget to take a proper
look at the art-nouveau Municipal House (Obecni dum) and if you fancy a little
exercise climb the Powder Tower (Prasna brana) to enjoy a wonderful view of Prague at Christmas.
Visit the Christmas Concerts
Your Christmas itinerary should include at least one classical
music concert. The ornate halls of the Rudolfinum Concert Hall or the Municipal
House create the perfect Christmas atmosphere. Classical music will also be
heard in many of the churches in Prague
city centre including the
St Simon’s and Jude’s Church (Kostel sv. Simona a Judy) or St
Nicholas’ Church (Kostel sv. Mikulase) in Old Town Square.
Prague is unforgettable when covered in snow. If you take
the steps leading from the Charles
Bridge to Kampa, you will
discover romantic corners lit by beautiful old fashioned street lamps. Inside
the churches you will be able to admire various nativity scenes. The nativity
scenes are constructed to the smallest detail and will fascinate children and
adults alike.
Experience
the Czech Christmas also out of Prague
You will be able to experience a traditional Czech Christmas at
Zelny Market in Brno
as well. The local Christmas celebrations will be inspired by Josef Luda’s
paintings which have always been one of the symbols of the Czech Christmas.
There will be an entertaining programme for adults and children and the market
stalls will offer a range of attractive products. The Christmas market will be
open from November 26 until December 23, 2012.
Cesky Krumlov is known as a fairy tale town throughout the
year. But it is during advent that it becomes even more special. The local
Christmas market which is held every weekend from Friday to Sunday starts on
November 30 and runs until January 6. Among the highlights of the programme for
children are the living nativity scene, St Nicholas or Christmas with the
castle bears.
The Krivoklat Castle also offers an interesting programme
on the weekends of December 8, and 9 and 15 and 16. You will see dance and
theatre performances at the traditional Christmas market and you will be able
to buy gifts and souvenirs. To keep the chill away there will be plenty of hot
mead and wine available. The children can enjoy a steam train ride which runs
to Krivoklat from Prague and Plzen
Miloslav
Stasek
Ambassador
of the Czech Republic
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