3 Prague spring events you dare not miss

Spring is not only the season when Mother Nature awakens from her winter sleep. Students have passed well into the semester and have plenty of time still until the next exam period. If you are looking for a great place to study abroad, you are still new to the University of New York in Prague (UNYP), or enjoying your first Prague experience, check out our 3 event tips you definitely dare not miss during your spring semester abroad!

1. National Feast of Love

The 1^st of May is officially a Czech national holiday, Workers’ Day. But unofficially, it is nicknamed the Feast of Love. According to an old Czech tradition every girl or woman must be kissed underneath a blossoming cherry tree – if not, like a flower, she not blossom the following year. And who would risk that? So as a result, both young and old couples gather under blossoming trees in the town and, at least for one day in the year, display their love in public.

TIP: Petřín Hill is a long-term symbol of the Feast of Love. Ten minutes from UNYP campus via tram 22. You should not miss the romantic view of thousands of lovers gathering here, travelling to the statue of the famous writer of love poems, Karel Hynek Mácha. 

2. True Prague Spring

Prague Spring (Pražské jaro) holds for locals a totally different meaning than what you may think: it is the name of a world-famous music festival held every year in Prague! Famous symphony orchestras and philharmonics come to play marvelous classical music at the National Theatre, Rudolfinum and other famous cultural venues. Have you heard of the most famous world-renowned Czech composers Smetana, Dvořák and Beethoven? Their symphonies will give you goose bumps!

TIP: With your UNYP student ID card you can ask for a 20% discount on tickets for almost all Prague Spring Festival concerts! 

3. Burning Witches

No, it is neither voodoo practice nor a medieval witch-hunt. Burning Witches (in Czech: Pálení čarodějnic) is a traditional witches‘ night with roots dating back to pagan times. On the 30^th of April you can find huge bonfires throughout the city that are set on fire in the evening. Originally straw witches were placed on the top to symbolize leaving behind winter. Throughout the centuries, however, the witches slowly disappeared and you now mainly find people gathered around huge fires, grilling sausages on long metal sticks and enjoying entertaining cultural programs.

TIP: As Czechs do not really celebrate Halloween, this is for them one of few occasions in which to dress up – optionally – as a witch. Join the fun! With our UNYP Benefits Program card you can take advantage of a 15% discount on costumes at the Halloween Store.

Fascinating, isn’t it? So take the next step and get the most out of your amazing Prague culture experience!