1st of May and the "Witch trials"
Every year end of the April is traditionally connected with celebration of 'burning of the witches' on the eve of 30 April and 1st of May- the time of love, work and politics.
Burning Witches ('Pálení čarodějnic`), Beltine, or Walpurgisnacht is the celebration that usually takes place evening of 30.4. to 1.5.. The figure of evil, the witch, is burned at high (8m or more!!) bonfire(s). People gather to sing, eat, or if brave enough jump over the fire (please, take care it might not be allowed at big public gatherings and could get very dangerous). TIP!: Landronka offers at the same day Witches and Picnic FOOD festival, entry is free, starts at 12:00-21:00...
"The first of May - the time of love-" is the how one of the best known & loved Czech poets, Karel Hynek Macha, poetically describes the day where its believed that every woman should be kissed under blooming cherry tree; for beauty and for all future love...
This day belongs to all romantics and lovers. Have a walk to Petřín to observe this lovely event or to listen to live reading of Macha`s poem Máj ('May') at 19:00, next to his statue once again at Petřín.
On 1st of May , Czech Republic, and most if not all of the European countries celebrate
Due to modern history 'May Day' has gained one more focus. The first day celebrates the labour of all workers (Svátek Práce). It's customary for labour activists and left-wing political parties (currently not limited to them) to organize parades in cities and towns across the Republic on this day.
K.H.Macha- May
Late evening, on the first of May— The twilit May—the time of love. Meltingly called the turtle-dove, Where rich and sweet pinewoods lay. Whispered of love the mosses frail, The flowering tree as sweetly lied, The rose's fragrant sigh replied To love-songs of the nightingale. In shadowy woods the burnished lake Darkly complained a secret pain, By circling shores embraced again; And heaven's clear sun leaned down to take A road astray in azure deeps, Like burning tears the lover weeps.
Byl pozdní večer – první máj – večerní máj – byl lásky čas. Hrdliččin zval ku lásce hlas, kde borový zaváněl háj.
O lásce šeptal tichý mech; květoucí strom lhal lásky žel, svou lásku slavík růži pěl, růžinu jevil vonný vzdech. Jezero hladké v křovích stinných zvučelo temně tajný bol, břeh je objímal kol a kol; a slunce jasná světů jiných bloudila blankytnými pásky, planoucí tam co slzy lásky.
