PRAGUE GUIDE

The Bohemian Carnevale continues the Czech old traditions and allegorical festivities which date back to medieval times and which continued up to the recent past. Project Bohemian Carnevale is a rebirth of this phenomenon celebrating human joy, fantasy, talent, craft, and creativity.

Masked marches have a long tradition in the Bohemian lands, even though they started to disappear in the 17th century, and until recently were for some reason kept outside of big cities. A metropolis like Prague has to find the way to its roots, and the Bohemian Carnevale is one of these moments Prague wakes and brightens up.

The festival includes masked marches, allegoric carriages and many restaurants and bars offering carnival menus. During the festival, you can visit a carnival saloon in Clam-Gallas Palace and make yourself look, at least once, the way you always wanted. Just use your imagination to indulge your fantasy (the location of the saloon might very each year). Many fashion designers, hair studios, florists and others will be there to assist you. You can also find there an exhibition of masks and costumes. All outdoor activities are free; some events held indoors must be paid for.
The event is focused on kids, too, as they can have fun while joining many attractions in the palace or creating their own masks.

The organisers have divided the event into four parts, having exotic-sounding names; Divertimento Furioso, Cuisine d'Alchimiste, Praga Mysteriosa, Bohemia Divina. Those are describing:
Divertimento Furioso means ‘Furious Fun' - that is the part when the masks march through the city in joy.
Bohemia Divina - the programme is accompanied by exhibitions, concerts, readings and discussions about carnivals.
Praga Mysteriosa - this offers participants a wide spectrum of traders and artistes, who form a magical carnival labyrinth of the city.
Cuisine d'Alchimiste - carnival celebrations are traditionally about food, so you can buy special festival foods at various restaurants.

More info: www.carnevale.cz