Karlovy Vary will open the season

On the first Saturday of May the popular resort of Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic will hold the traditional opening ceremony of the tourist season. The fest will begin on May 5 in the morning, when the ambassador of the Vatican and the apostolic nuncio in the Czech Republic Giuseppe Leanza will bless all 12 healing springs in Karlovy Vary. After that he will say the mass in the ancient church of St. Mary Magdalene. At noon colorful costumed parade imitating the Emperor Charles IV and his suite will start moving from the Goethe trail through the World square and the Mill colonnade. The legend says that it was Charles IV who discovered the healing power of the local hot springs. Then in the second half of the 14th century the emperor ordered to found a new city nearby. Along the route of the procession will be installed outdoor scenes, where all viewers can watch performances of musical and theatrical groups. Immediately after the parade will be opened the crafts fair, which will last three days, it means the whole festival in Karlovy Vary. Aspen events and festivities will take place near the Garden of Smetana and the Central post office.

According to the tradition, during the celebration of the season opening will be held the Food festival Karlovy Vary, where the best gastronomes and bartenders of the country will compete for the title of the Great Chef/Bartender. The second part of the festival will be devoted to the children. Near the Thermal hotel will be organized children cooking school, where every child will be able to try cooking. Food festival Karlovy Vary will end in the evening of May 5 with the traditional race of all participants - Vrchní, prchni (Run, waiter!).

On the last day of the festival, May 7, at the municipal theatre will be held a big concert of the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra, while colorful fireworks will complete the celebrations.