In the Czech Republic the Masopust traditional carnival is beginning, enjoy the masked processions

Dancing masks in the streets, opulent balls, never-ending feasting. You'll be able to enjoy all of this at the beginning of the year in the Czech Republic, when the period of Carnival takes place. In addition to the traditional celebrations, inscribed on the UNESCO list, the capital city will host a carnival, which takes you to the time of Mozart and Casanova. Dancing masks in the streets, opulent balls, never-ending feasting. You'll be able to enjoy all of this at the beginning of the year in the Czech Republic, when the period of Carnival takes place. In addition to the traditional celebrations, inscribed on the UNESCO list, the capital city will host a carnival, which takes you to the time of Mozart and Casanova.

The cold winter days are warmed up in the Czech Republic by a time of entertainment and receptions - the Masopust carnival. That will culminate in boisterous masked parades this year as well, which you will be able to see in different parts of the country from the end of January. Celebrations are prepared for example, in Český Krumlov, in the East Bohemian Hlinecko region, as well as in the Czech capital, where the Bohmeian Carnevale Praha erupts with the refined Valentine's Ball.

The Masopust Carnival brought pork feasts to the tables and weddings to families

The Masopust carnival celebrations are nothing new in the Czech Republic. The first mention of them dates back to the 13^th century and probably followed the ancient worship of the wine god Bacchus. Although today many consider Masopust as just a masquerade parade, the period of merrymaking always began on January 6 and the amusement in the streets was only the culmination. During the Masopust days it was customary to organize a family wedding or butchering, because during the year there was no more time for fun.

Traditional parade: the parades were meant to ensure happiness or offspring

Before masks filled the streets with dancing and singing, it was necessary to properly entertain, namely on Fat Thursday. It was said that when a man eats his fill on this day, then he would be strong throughout the year. After the feasting was the expected Tuesday, when masked men went from house to house. For their performance they always expected a reward in the form of pork delicacies, donuts or brandy.

All masks in the parade had their task and status. Mottled with the wifey couldn’t be missed, at each house they toasted to health and happiness. It is said that the number of dots a person wearing motley had, so the number of happy days they would have in the year ahead. Conversely straw was blessed by women who wanted children. Four Turks also joined the parade who had to dance in high jump, otherwise corn would not grow. The tour then ended by defeating one of the masks – the mare and entertainment until midnight

The whole of the Hlinecko region comes alive with ancient rituals registered on the UNESCO list

If you would like to experience the true Masopust carnival fun, head to 150 km east of Prague, to the Hlinecko region. The local villages preserve the tradition of the late 19th century within the scope of the festival, thereby landing on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will encounter all the traditional masks there and the local atmosphere will transport you through time. The first parades begin January 31, on Veselý Kopec (Merry Hill) or Hamry.

Several days of merrymaking will also be offered by the picturesque Český Krumlov, whose streets will be occupied in mid-February, not only by masks but also thespians and jugglers. You will be able to taste typical pork delicacies such as black pudding or sausage at the local medieval fair.

Prague returns to the stellar period of balls and concerts

The Czech capital will culminate in the Bohemian Masopust carnival called Carnevale Praha, celebrating creativity and grandeur. From February 6 to 17, the city immerses you in the whirl of masks, clowns and acrobats, and few can resist its power. In addition to the fun on the streets the festival offers a number of concerts and balls in an aristocratic spirit, gold fever run through the Prague streets or a tour of the Masopust carnival cuisine. Some of the carnival events will be held in the Clam-Gallas Palace, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven performed. This year, you can visit romantic Prague and even connect with the masquerade Crystal Ball held on the holiday of all of those in love. And do not forget that love goes through the stomach, so visit the festival's restaurant with a special menu full of refined flavors.

The Masopust festivity is one of the authentic traditional events that you can experience with all senses in the Czech Republic. Share the stories of Czech traditions you are going to discover with your friends.

More about the Masopust festival in the Hlinecko region at:

http://www.czechtourism.com/e/hamry-old-time-bohemian-carnival/

http://www.czechtourism.com/e/vesely-kopec-carnival/

More about the festival at http://www.czechtourism.com/e/prague-carnevale/

CzechTourism is a state-funded agency of the Ministry for Regional Development. Its main activity is to promote the Czech Republic as an attractive tourist destination. More information is available at http://www.czechtourism.com.