Staroměstské nám.
Staré Město, 110 00 Praha-Praha 1
Чехия
Bohemian Carnival in Prague, popularly called Masopust, that is, ” fasting from meat” is an analogue of our Maslenitsa. It is usually held within 2 weeks before the start of Lent, 40 days before Easter.
In 2017, the Masopust carnival in Prague will take place from February 18 to 28. During the carnival, crowds of locals and tourists dressed in carnival costumes gather on the streets of Prague. The celebration of Masopust takes place on the streets and squares, in cafes and restaurants, hotels, and other public places. The festival includes street fairs, competitions for the best mask, balls, parades, and parties.
The main events take place on the opening day of the Bohemian Carnival and are called “Frantic Fun”. Costumed carnival participants gather at Old Town Square in front of the Town Hall. They are divided into two groups: good reds (folk characters – women, Turks, striped) and bad blacks (flayer with a mare, Jew, scarecrows, bear, chimney sweeps). Everyone is dancing and singing. Magicians, musicians, acrobats, and comedians perform. “Blacks” behave impudently and cling to passers-by.
The culmination of the festivities is the arrival of the carnival king, to whom representatives of the mayor’s office hand over the keys to the city.
At Masopust fairs you can buy a variety of food, sweets and souvenirs.
Those who want to take part in the Crystal Ball (it takes place in the Clam-Gallasov Palace) must come to it dressed in an old historical costume.
