Prague Festivals

The Prague Spring International Music Festival (Mezinárodní hudební festival Pražské jaro), commonly called Prague Spring (Pražské jaro), is a classical music festival started in 1946. Since then, it has been the epitome of musical excellence. The festival features musical events of outstanding performing artists and many orchestras and chamber music ensembles from different countries. The festival also commemorates important music anniversaries by including works by composers. The Prague Spring International Music Competition is held annually in various instrumental sections.

The Czech Beer Festival (Český pivní festival) is the most famous in the Czech Republic. The celebration lasts for 17 days in the month of May and is a top attraction amongst travellers from around the globe. The festival features around 120 varieties of beer, of which 70 brands are from the Czech Republic, and the rest are foreign brands from countries like the USA and the UK. There is a space for about 10,000 people, and the serving staff of girls and boys dresses in attractive traditional attires.

The Prague International Jazz Festival (Mezinárodní jazzový festival) started in 1964 and is held every year in October or November. Czech and international musicians' performances usually occur at the Reduta Jazz Club. Jazz legends such as Mr. Acker Bilk & his Bristol Paramount Jazz Band, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Benny Goodman, B.B. King, New York Voices, Mal Waldron and Albert Mangelsdorff, Boris Kozlov have performed in this festival.

The Prague Carnival (Bohemian Carnevale) is held every year in Prague at the end of February and the start of March. The main attraction of the festival is the masquerade parade which starts in Old Town and goes past the famous monuments, museums and places. Carnevale symbolises a bright display of superb ideas and dazzling creativity. It takes people back to the spectacular history and celebrations of the Middle Ages. Games and wine-tasting sessions are organised at many places and restaurants.

A Grand celebration of music takes place during the United Islands Festival (Prague International Music Festival) in Prague. Performances of rock music, pop, indie, electronic, world, folk & jazz music are included in this festival. Also, many new experiments and trends emerge during this festival. It is a grand event organised in Prague's Kampa, Střelecký and Slovanský islands in an open space and is free for visitors. Along with open spaces, the programme is held at some selected clubs in Prague.

The Choral Meetings in Prague are open to choral groups from all over the world. This meeting is an excellent opportunity to meet various choir groups who come to Prague to perform. Prague Spring Choral Meeting generally takes place in April. Prague Summer Choral Meetings generally take place in July and August. Prague Autumn Choral Meeting takes place in October or November, and Prague Advent Choral Meetings happen in December.

The Prague Winter Festival is an annual event started in the year 1972. It takes place on the 1st day of the year and includes ballet dances, operas and classical music performances depicting the culture. Generally, these events take place in Prague's National Theatre.

In the Czech Republic, Mardi Gras is called Masopust (meat-fast). 'Masopust' means giving up meat; this is the last chance to have a meat feast before Easter Lent. It is a traditional Czech carnival celebration held at the end of January and the beginning of February. People wear colourful costumes and masks and celebrate the start of spring. In Prague, Masopust includes colourful parades, street dancing and singing, feasting and drinking.

Strings of Autumn (or Prague Sounds) is an international music festival. Musicians from various genres, such as classical music, experimental music and jazz, gather in Prague to perform at this festival in autumn, between September and November. The event is divided into three parts according to musical styles: Inspiration, Crossover, and Luminaries.

The Prague Fringe Festival was started in 2001 by Steven Gove, Angus Coull, and Carole Wears. It takes place every year in May and June. During this festival, over 200 artists in about 45 productions present their talent and art in genres like theatre, dance, music, cabaret and comedy. The Prague Fringe Festival is organised at eight venues, including the medieval basement of a hotel and black-box theatres.

The Prague Writers' Festival (PWF) is a renowned literary festival that has been taking place in spring since 1991. The festival is a stage for exchanging rich ideas and cultural exchange. The festival includes public readings (the main event), book signings, discussions, questions and answers etc.

Prague International Film Festival - Febiofest started in 1993 as a passionate and simple event for film lovers. Now it has grown into one of the biggest film festivals in the Czech Republic. The fest features the best full-length films from around the world, contemporary and retrospective films, including alternative, film-school and amateur works.

In Prague, Christmas and New Year celebrations take place in the European way. Prague Christmas Markets are held in Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and many more places. These markets welcome travellers with numerous attractions like games, food stalls and shops selling decorative items and gift articles. During the festive season, the city is decorated with illuminating lights, and fireworks are organised during the festive season.

Visitors to Prague at the time of Easter can indeed take back an unforgettable festive memoir of their travel. Easter in Prague is joyful, full of traditions with pleasant weather. Easter markets are held in famous squares like the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and the Square of the Republic, where plenty of stalls offer traditional Czech products like Easter eggs, laces, wooden toys, candles and puppets. Various music and dance events, cultural performances, and art & craft shows are held at many places in Prague.

St Matthew's Fair (Matějská pouť) is the biggest fair in the Czech Republic, held annually in the spring months. The fair includes many attractions like roller coasters, houses of horror, waterfalls, game stalls, a Ferris wheel, virtual reality machines, swings, bouncy castles and lots more. There are fast food stalls and stalls selling sweets and gingerbread hearts.

Designblok, Prague International Design Festival is a yearly event and the most prominent design and fashion show in Central Europe. Founded in 1999, it presents innovative products by manufacturers and designers. Exhibitions are held at two places, namely Superstudio and Openstudio.

The World Roma Festival (Khamoro) is an international festival of Roma culture held in May in Prague. The five-day-long festival takes place on the streets and in various clubs. Top international Roma musicians perform during Khamoro. It is divided into the Expert Section: which includes seminars and discussions; the Culture Section: which includes dance, music and performances; and the Media Section: which provides information about the events.

On the 19th of January, Czechs commemorate the death anniversary of Jan Palach, a student of Charles University who self-immolated in protest against the Soviet takeover (1969). People assemble in the square, and flowers are laid at the monument of Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc.