Holidays in the Czech Republic in summer is always accompanied by a mass of festivals and celebrations

Holidays in the Czech Republic: Kutna Hora will be silvered

On 25 - 26 of June in the Czech town of Kutna Hora will be held a beautiful historic holiday - Royal Silvering. This gothic holiday (a kind of costumed carnival) is devoted to the times, when near the city operated silver mines. Kutna Hora was the second largest and wealthiest city and the king of Bohemia Vaclav IV came here to check the mint. However, the happy times ended when in 1726 silver mines in Kutna Hora ran low and the treasury was almost empty, but the city was not abandoned and preserved to our days almost unchanged.

During the Royal Silvering locals are dressed in old costumes and make performances. On the first day of the holiday is celebrated the arrival of the King Vaclav IV and Queen Zofia of Bavaria to the miners. On a large meadow near Vlaszsky court will be organized a medieval fair, where tourists can buy various souvenirs, handicraft goods and a variety of local delicacies.

At the fair will perform clowns and street musicians, will be played old music and acted theater shows. For the "royal couple" will be presented knight’s tournament. Celebrations will continue without interruption. At night on the meadow will be lighted bonfires and set torches as it's the time for the national dances. On the second day in the cathedral of St. Barbora will be held solemn silver mass, where together with the royal couple will gather the mayor and city officials. Royal Silvering is so distinctive and colorful tradition that UNESCO has put the feast into the List of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage. By the way, tourist season in Kutna Hora begins with Royal Silvering.

Ilya Kozlovskiy

Date: 23/06/2011