Masopust The popular and traditional Czech carnival
Cold winter temperatures and white landscapes covered with snow as far as the eye can see. This is the setting for the Masopust carnivals which are held in several regions of the Czech Republic. Head to Eastern Bohemia, 2 hours from Prague, to discover the Veselý Kopec Carnival, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site. On the side of South Bohemia, many local events are also worth the trip. Colorful parades that showcase folklore, popular culture and traditional costumes. Festivities in East Bohemia ... The traditional Masopust carnivals, or otherwise known as Mardi Gras, are festive events that bring together the inhabitants of many villages in the Czech Republic, always joined by lovers of folklore. In the Hlinsko region, carnival processions follow a tradition of over two hundred years and are an integral part of Czech culture. Festive, joyful, colorful and traditional, these carnivals always stage the characters essential to the parade: the Turks, the Jews, the straw man, the wife, the renderer and the mare ...
In South Bohemia, the Mardi Gras parade takes place in several towns and villages. In České Budějovice, the capital of South Bohemia, the traditional carnival brings together masked and costumed participants. The best folk ensembles in the region accompany the event with music. Further south towards the Austrian border, in the medieval town of Český Krumlov, the end of February will be eagerly awaited! The tradition will once again be renewed, through a folk carnival, street theater and many other festivities in the alleys of this city registered on the UNESCO world heritage list. Do not miss the pig festival where you can taste traditional pork specialties. Finally, in the village of Milevsko, the carnival procession has been a tradition since 1862. The folk masks worn for centuries bring color to the procession and a very special atmosphere. You can also take advantage of your visit to this southern Bohemian city to visit the mask museum dedicated to the history of a local Czech tradition. Then, do not miss the visit to the Premonstratensian monastery dating from the end of the 12th century. From the Romanesque to the Baroque through the Gothic style, this historic monument bears witness to the many architectural periods that have spanned the centuries. Put on a mask and join one of the many carnivals! Places and dates of masopust carnivals in the Czech Republic In eastern Bohemia photos: Mardi Gras - © Lukas Zentel - CzechTourism.jpg |
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The Mardi Gras parade in the Hlinecko region © Lukas Zentel, CzechTourism
... but also in South Bohemia