ST. WENCESLAS CELEBRATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL 2019
náměstí Svornosti 2
38101 Český Krumlov
Contact: Infocentrum Český Krumlov
Telephone: +420 380 704 622
E-mail: info@ckrumlov.info
Location: Český Krumlov
Type: Highlights
In addition to being the patron saint of the lands of Bohemia, Saint Wenceslas is the patron saint of brewers and winemakers, which is commemorated by the traditional autumn festivities offering a cultural as well as a rich gourmet experience.
The pleasant atmosphere of the autumn festivities is augmented by the festival of folk ensembles and the Saint Wenceslas Fair. The cherry on top is certainly the unforgettable evening excursion to the town’s museums and galleries, garnished with an impressive accompanying programme.
Dates:
27.9.2019 - 29.9.2019
25.9.2020 - 28.9.2020
ST. WENCESLAS FAIR
Svornosti Square (Main Square)
27.9. (FR) - 10.00 - 22.00
28.9. (SA) - 10.00 - 22.00
29.9. (SU) - 10.00 - 17.00
27. 9. (FR) - SVORNOSTI SQUARE
Moderated by Jan Palkovič and Ivo Janoušek
► 10.00 - 22.00 ST. WENCESLAS MARKET
► 16.00 OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE CELEBRATIONS
► 16.00 – 17.30 LAKOMÁ BARKA
All-ladies folk band from Český Krumlov performs mainly original folk, history-inspired music and folk songs, always with their individual twist. Lucie Roubínová, Lucie Sirová, Olga Kneiflová, Hana Havlíčková and Lenka Klimešová are looking forward to your visit.
► 18.00 – 19.30 PARNÍ WANNA
This Český Krumlov-based band plays classic rock tunes enriched by various other musical influences. Characteristic traits of this band include usage of electric violins, male and female vocals and Czech language lyrics resembling poems. The band has not just rock music fans as listeners but also fans of other types of music. Parní Wanna presently performs in this formation: percussion, bandleader - Jan Matěj Krnínský, vocals, acoustic guitar - Jarda Bartizal, vocals, flute - Anny Vrábková, solo guitar - Standa Stanley Vrábek, bass - Vlasta Nedorost, electric violin, vocals - Lenka Houslenka / Markéta Kazdová.
► 20.00 – 22.00 TURNIOKI (Poland) - GÓRALSKI FOLK - ROCK
Turnioki music is inspired by folk music of Polish and Slovak mountains in new, modern and captivating settings. Their style presents a combination of mountain folk and rock music represented for example by the Czech band Čechomor. A Turnioki band concert is an explosion of positive energy, familiar-sounding language, dialects and music that carries you to the mountain regions. Turnioki has been performing without interruption since 2000. Their successes include over 1000 concerts in Poland and abroad (India, Mexico, Germany, Belgium, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary).
27. 9. (FR) - HISTORICAL TOWN CENTER
► 16.00 – 17.30 DANCING TOWN
International Folklore Festival participants will brighten up the streets and corners of the historical town center of Český Krumlov with their art (Seminary garden by Hotel Růže, Široká Street, Monastery courtyard)
27. 9. (FR) - PARKÁN QUAY – RADEK ŠŤOVÍČEK FLATBOAT RIDE
► 10.00 – 19.00 OLD VLTAVA FLATBOAT DEMONSTRATIONS USED TO FLOAT TIMBER
Lectures on flatboat construction and timber floating every hour.
► 10.30 – 18.30 FLATBOAT SIGHTSEEING RIDES
Rides available at: 10.30, 12.30, 14.30, 16.30, 18.30 hours.
On-boat refreshments included in the ticket price. Tickets available at the Info Center on Svornosti Square or at company sales points: Horní Street 150, Široká Street 53.
27. 9. (FR) - MONASTERIES ČESKÝ KRUMLOV
► 10.00 – 18.00 CRAFTS ON MONASTERY COURTYARD
There will be a small Monastery fair, craft workshops and events for kids and adults! Try the craft of a potter, satchel maker, saddler, smith, baker, dyer or a glassblower and join your children in making your own artisanal creation. Ready artisan-made products will also be on sale. The currency in use is Monastery coin, available at an exchange rate of 1 coin = 10 CZK.
► 16.00 – 17.30 DANCING TOWN
International Folklore Festival participants will return this year to brighten up the Monastery courtyard with regular dancing performances.
► 10.00 – 18.00 JIŘÍ HAVLÍK: THE DRAFT OF KRUMLOV MONASTERIES
An exhibition of black and white photographs by Jiří Havlík, an artist based in Český Krumlov, mapping a period of over 20 years when the author lived and worked in the Krumlov monasteries. Photographs and other objects by Jiří Havlík are part of many private collections domestically and abroad. He has received a number of awards and professional recognitions for his photography. Located at the ambit of the former Poor Clare’s´ Monastery (entry through the courtyard). Free entry.
► 19.00 – 20.00 GUITAR CONCERT AT THE CLOISTERS OF THE MINORITE MONASTERY: RADEK INTERHOLZ AND JINDRA ČAPEK
The cloisters of the former Minorite monastery will be filed with the classical guitar sounds performed by the well-known and popular local musicians Radek Interholz and Jindra Čapek. Free entry.
28. 9. (SA) - STATE CASTLE AND CHATEAU, Guard Place (2nd Castle courtyard)
► 8.30 SCHWARZENBERG GRENADIER GUARD
Festive morning banner raising ceremony at the guard place
► 8.30 – 9.00 SOUNDING THE FANFARES FROM THE CASTLE TOWER
28. 9. (SA) - SVORNOSTI SQUARE
Moderated by Jan Palkovič and Ivo Janoušek
► 10.00 - 22.00 ST. WENCESLAS MARKET
► 10.00 - 12.00 INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL
Performing: folklore festivals from abroad, from Moravia, from Bohemia and local ensembles Jitřenka and Růže.
► 12.45 – 16.00 INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL
Presentation of folklore ensembles
► 16.30 – 18.00 INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL
Presentation of folklore ensembles
► 18.00 – 18.15 MEETING OF PEOPLE NAMED VÁCLAV AND VÁCLAVKA
Signing the memorial book from 10.00 to 17.00 at the Info Center on Svornosti Square.
► 18.15 – 18.45 SCHWARZENBERG GRENADIER GUARD
Handover of the sword knot to new guard members and their installation into service. Sword knots are a traditional decoration of the grenadier’s´ sabres in the festive colors of Český Krumlov town and the House of Schwarzenberg, blue and white. The new grenadier guard members will receive their sword knots from the town mayor symbolically during the St. Wenceslas Celebrations which had long tradition in our town spanning over several hundred years and their revival during the First Republic can be attributed to the Schwarzenberg grenadiers.
► 19.30 – 22.00 BABOUCI - the oldest South Bohemian brass band
Babouci have celebrated 150 anniversary last year of uninterrupted performing, For the St. Wenceslas Celebrations, Babouci under the bandmaster Tomáš Staňek bring a festive portion of Bohemian brass music.
28. 9. (SA) - INFO CENTER, SVORNOSTI SQUARE
► 10.00 - 17.00 MEETING OF PERSONS NAMED VÁCLAV AND VÁCLAVKA
Registration and check-in of persons named Václav and Václavka in the Memorial book of St. Wenceslas Celebrations.
28. 9. (SA) - STATE CASTLE AND CHATEAU - COLUMN HALL OF THE STUDY CENTER (1ST COURTYARD)
► 11.00 MATINÉE OF THE BELLARIA SINGING CHOIR ČESKÝ KRUMLOV
BELLARIA singing choir Český Krumlov was established in 2016. Choirmaster is Ing. Jana Eremiášová. The programme includes pieces by L. Janáček, Z. Lukáš, P. I. Čajkovskij, P. Eben, as well as folk sons and others.
28. 9. (SA) - ST. VITUS CHOIR
► 11.00 and 13.00 EXTRAORDINARY SIGHTSEEING TOURS THROUGH THE CHURCH AND THE ST. WENCESLAS CHAPPEL accompanied by an expert explanation by Mgr. Petr Pavelec, director of the National Heritage Institute, department České Budějovice (in CZ)
► 17.00 ST. WENCESLAS HOLY MASS
28. 9. (SA) - BREWERY GARDEN
Moderated by Miroslav Valha
► 13.00 – 24.00 BREWERY CELEBRATIONS
Sample beers from the production of the Historical Brewery Český Krumlov including a special thirteen degree ST. WENCESLAS LIGHT SPECIAL. Covered tent with seating and refreshments available. Brewery tours available – arrange your tour on the spot at the Historical Brewery stand. Organizer: Historical Brewery Český Krumlov
► 13.00 - 19.00 FUN-FILLED AFTERNOON FOR KIDS
Games for children.
► 13.00 - 14.00 HASHTAG
Young ladies folk band from Český Krumlov performing original scores created by Audree Lee Belcher and Adéla Tomášková.
► 14.30 – 16.00 ZRCADLA
A folk-rock bank with these members: Pavel Morysek – vocals, guitars, Karel Dvořák – vocals, violin, accordions, Martina Morysková – vocals, Hammond organ, piano, pipes, Ivana Melicharová – vocals, contrabass, Irena Honzíková – vocals, accordion, Fanda Vrobel – percussion, cajon and Jan Fascha – dobro, lap style.
► 16.30 – 17.00 ROMAN ŠPILÍNEK
Musician from Český Krumlov, recipient of the Porta award, performing his “greatest hits” with guests.
► 17.30 – 19.00 BRYCE’S BLUES
Genuine American blues-rock performed by: Bryce Belcher – guitar, vocals, Břetislav Veselý – guitar, Petr Tichý – bass guitar and Dan Hubáček – percussion.
► 20.00 – 22.00 LABUTÍ PÍSEŇ PAPOUŠKŮ
Last concert of this popular local bank Papouškovo sirotci. You are cordially invited by Martin Sam Korčák, Míra Bednář, Josef Papoušek Tokár, Zdeněk Novotný, Míra Mleziva and their guests David Rajdl and Martin Dolík Dolanský.
► 22.30 – 24.00 AFTERPARTY WITH HRAJETO BAND AND AUTOGRAPH SESSION OF PAPOUŠKOVO SIROTCI BAND
28. 9. (SA) - MONASTERIES ČESKÝ KRUMLOV
► 10.00 – 18.00 SMALL POTTERY FAIR ON MONASTERY GARDEN
Krumlov-based potters Karel Dvořák and Martin Valnoha and their friends are launching a pottery fair! See the hand pottery art and the potter´s wheel in action. Try the pottery craft yourself or paint your own mug. Currency: Monastery coins, exchange rate: 1 coin = 10 CZK.
► 10.00 – 18.00 CRAFTS ON MONASTERY COURTYARD
There will be a small Monastery fair, craft workshops and events for kids and adults! Try the craft of a potter, satchel maker, saddler, smith, baker, dyer or a glassblower and join your children in making your own artisanal creation. Ready artisan-made products will also be on sale. The currency in use is Monastery coin, available at an exchange rate of 1 coin = 10 CZK.
► 12.00 – 17.00 FESTIVE DELICACIES AT MONASTERY COURTYARD
Where to taste festive delicacies? Monastery is the place! Popular Monastery cookies and crispy sauerkraut crackers will be available. Hurry to the Monastery courtyard before everyone else eats it all. The currency in use is Monastery coin, available at an exchange rate of 1 coin = 10 CZK.
► 15.00 NAVĚTVI THEATRE: TOWN MUSICIANS OF BREMEN A.K.A. ROAD TO BREMEN
A performance based on the Brothers Grimm classic about the animals ox, cat, dog and a cock hitting the road to find their place. They decide to travel to Bremen to become musicians and conquer the world. They have no idea that a nice place is waiting much closer by. Free entry.
► 11.00 – 15.00 DANCING TOWN
International Folklore Festival participants will return this year to brighten up the Monastery courtyard and Poor Clare´s courtyard with regular dancing performances.
► 10.00 – 18.00 JIŘÍ HAVLÍK: THE DRAFT OF KRUMLOV MONASTERIES
An exhibition of black and white photographs by Jiří Havlík, an artist based in Český Krumlov, mapping a period of over 20 years when the author lived and worked in the Krumlov monasteries. Photographs and other objects by Jiří Havlík are part of many private collections domestically and abroad. He has received a number of awards and professional recognitions for his photography. Located at the ambit of the former Poor Clare’s´ Monastery (entry through the courtyard). Free entry.
28. 9. (SA) - MONASTERY GARDEN
► 12.00 – 21.00 GARDEN WINE TASTING
An autumnal wine tasting with an invitation to Wine Festival Český Krumlov 2019. 60 wine samples from Bohemia, Moravia and abroad will be available for tasting. Samples for tasting can be paid with coupons, available for sale on the spot.
Organized by: Český Krumlov Tourism Association, Českokrumlovský rozvojový fond, town Český Krumlov. For more information: www.ckrumlov.info/winefestival.
28. 9. (SA) - SEMINARY GARDEN AT HOTEL RŮŽE
► 10.00 – 15.30 INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL
Short dancing demonstrations presenting the International Folklore Festival participants
► 17.00 – 18.00 BENGA ČAVE
Performance by Roma dance ensemble from Český Krumlov led by Josef Toušek and Kristýna Toušková.
► 18.30 – 19.30 AMARE ROMANE ČAVE
Performance by Roma dance and music ensemble led by Robert Kotlár
28. 9. (SA) - PARKÁN QUAY – RADEK ŠŤOVÍČEK FLATBOAT RIDE
► 10.00 – 19.00 OLD VLTAVA FLATBOAT DEMONSTRATIONS USED TO FLOAT TIMBER
Lectures on flatboat construction and timber floating every hour.
► 10.30 – 18.30 FLATBOAT SIGHTSEEING RIDES WITH “NÁLODNÍ THEATRE”
Rides available at: 10.30, 12.30, 14.30, 16.30, 18.30 hours. Flatboat marionette theatre will perform plays inspired by history of Český Krumlov, the Bohemian Kingdom and flatboating on the Vltava River.
► 11.30 – 15.30 FLATBOAT SIGHTSEEING RIDES WITH VÁCLAV CHALUPA
Rides available at 11.30, 13.30, 15.30 HOURS. Flatboat rides with Václav Chaupa, Olympic rowing medallist and participant of the commemorative ride tracing the Vltava flatboat riders in 2018 and 2019.
► 20.00 ST. WENCESLAS EVENING FLATBOAT RIDE
On-boat refreshments included in the ticket price. Tickets available at the Info Center on Svornosti Square or at company sales points: Horní Street 150, Široká Street 53.
28. 9. (SA) - PILGRIMAGE SITE ON KŘÍŽOVÁ HORA (CROSS HILL)
► 10.00 – 22.00 SITE OPEN TO VISITORS, with festive chapel illumination in the evening including newly restored entrance to the site
► 12.00, 18.00 FESTIVE BELL RINGING of the new bell in homage to the patron of Bohemia.
28. 9. (SA) - ST. WENCESLAS OPEN DOOR EVENING OF MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Opening hours: 19.00 - 23.00
► EGON SCHIELE ART CENTRUM
Karel Valter (1909-2006) / Landscape, Kateřina Šedá: UNES-CO and other social architecture projects, Federico Díaz (*1971) / PERSONAL
► REGIONAL MUSEUM ČESKÝ KRUMLOV
Exhibitions: Indians – Living History, Castle Park at Červený Dvůr, permanent exhibitions: Český Krumlov clay model, Image of Český Krumlov in history from prehistoric times to end of 19th century, Baroque Jesuit pharmacy
► MONASTERIES ČESKÝ KRUMLOV
Permanent exhibition ON LIFE AND ART AT THE MINORITE MONASTERY – the exhibition tour includes salvaged works of art and uniquely preserved medieval architecture, including painting decorations and furniture. Entry from Tramín. Entry denied to persons under influence.
► STATE CASTLE AND CHATEAU – STABLES AND SADDLE(V. Castle Courtyard)
Exhibition of yokes for carriages and sleighs. Refreshments stand and viewpoint terrace open. Entry denied to persons under influence. Children under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult.
► MUNICIPAL LIBRARY ČESKÝ KRUMLOV
A night at the library: An unusual commented night tour of the library including historical Prelature halls. Tours commence at 19.00, 21.00 and 22.00. Even “Nebyla to rozmarýnka, byl to Křen” is starting from 20.00 hours presenting various texts on the 140th founding anniversary of the library in Český Krumlov (in CZ). Reading from the Křen fellowship diary and from members´ favorite books. Read by Helena Jelínková, Pavlína Haršová and Jaroslava Valtrová. Guitar by Věra Čarková.
► MUSEUM PHOTO STUDIO SEIDEL
Guided tours commence at 19.00, 20.00, 21.00 and 22.00. Maximum capacity 20 person per group. Reservation required at www.seidel.cz or at info@seidel.cz or telephone 736 503 871. On-the-spot appearances will not have a guaranteed place in the group.
► ST. MARTIN CHAPEL, MUNICIPAL PARK
Musical performance by DUODAM (20.00 – 21.30)
28. 9. (SA) - MUSEUM PHOTO STUDIO SEIDEL
► 9–12 and 13–15 ST. WENCESLAS PHOTO SESSION AT MUSEUM PHOTO STUDIO SEIDEL
Come experience the unique atmosphere of early 20th century with an autumnal flavor. Obtain an unusual period-style photograph for your family album with the theme of card gambling and beer. Gentlemen as well as ladies for the “five o´clock tea” are welcome. Fee applies, reservation is mandatory (736 503 871, info@seidel.cz). Photo session without tour: 250 CZK. Photo session with tour: entry fee + 150 CZK.
29. 9. (SUN) - SVORNOSTI SQUARE
► 10.00 - 17.00 ST. WENCESLAS MARKET
29. 9. (SUN) - MUSEUM PHOTO STUDIO SEIDEL
► 9–12 and 13–15 ST. WENCESLAS PHOTO SESSION AT MUSEUM PHOTO STUDIO SEIDEL
Come experience the unique atmosphere of early 20th century with an autumnal flavor. Obtain an unusual period-style photograph for your family album with the theme of card gambling and beer. Gentlemen as well as ladies for the “five o´clock tea” are welcome. Fee applies, reservation is mandatory (+420 736 503 871, info@seidel.cz). Photo session without tour: 250 CZK. Photo session with tour: entry fee + 150 CZK.
29. 9. (SUN) - DOBRKOVICE CAVE
► 10.00 - 17.00 DAY OF THE MAMMOTH HUNTERS IN THE CAVE OF DOBRKOVICE
As the days get shorter, it is tome bid farewell to the sun, tan the summer skins, repair the weapons, light the fires and replenish the storages. Distinguished guests from distant friendly hordes will join in the great autumnal hunt. Oh, what a great day! The bounty will be plentiful and there will be much to hear, see and try. The traditional meeting of ancient hunters at the cave od Dobrkovice will take place on 29 September 2019. Expect lectures on excavations with artefact demonstrations and a journey back in time to the distant past ten thousands of year ago. Join us in the preparations for the long period of the Ice Man, so you have stories to tell in your own caves during long winter evenings.
29. 9. (SUN) - MOLDAVITE MUSEUM
► 10.00 – 18.00 TOURS OF THE MOLDAVITE MUSEUM
Experience the whole story of these unique South Bohemian precious stones of extra-terrestrial origin at the Moldavite Museum. The interactive exposition will take you on a journey starting at the origin of planets up to present cosmic catastrophes. Marvel at a beautiful Moldavite collection and throw a destructive meteorite at the Earth with your own hands. A 50% discount on entry fee is available during St. Wenceslas Celebrations.
29. 9. (SUN) - FAIRYTALE HOUSE
► 11.00 - 17.00 TOURS OF THE FAIRYTALE HOUSE
The Fairytale House offers a 50% discount off entry fee during St. Wenceslas Celebrations. Over 300 marionettes are housed in their “natural habitat”. The bandits live in the woods of Šumava, water sprites tease the drowned on the bottom of the Vltava River and a traditional South Bohemian wedding is in full swing. Spejbl and Hurvínek as well as Doctor Faust and the Joker are also visiting Český Krumlov. Visitors can perform their own play with the marionettes. Artefacts by stonemason Petr Fidrich are presented in the exhibition, along with furniture on the yard, bar and wine stands – all of which are his creation.
29. 9. (SON) - GRAPHITE MINE
► 12.00 - 15.00 UNDERGROUND TOURS OF THE GRAPHITE MINE
Tour times: 12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00 hours. Free entry for children. Expert guided tour of the mine on a mining train, including rental of mining outfits, shoes and protection. Refreshments and seating area available on site. Reservation required at: grafitovydul@seznam.cz.
29. 9. (SUN) - “MAGICAL HERB” GARDEN
(Herbal Street, approx. 100 meters from the parking area at the main entrance to the Castle garden)
► 10.00 – 18.00 GARDEN TOURS
Use the last opportunity to visit the Magical Herb garden this year as the summer season draws to a close. Free entry.
► 10.00 and 14.00 GUIDED GARDEN TOURS
We invite nature lovers with an interest in herbs for guided tours of the garden taking place at 10.00 and 14.00. Free entry.
29. 9. (SUN) - PARKÁN QUAY – RADEK ŠŤOVÍČEK FLATBOAT RIDE
► 10.00 – 17.00 OLD VLTAVA FLATBOAT DEMONSTRATIONS USED TO FLOAT TIMBER
► 10.30 – 16.30 FLATBOAT SIGHTSEEING RIDES
Rides available at: 10.30, 12.30, 14.30, 16.30 hours.
On-boat refreshments included in the ticket price. Tickets available at the Info Center on Svornosti Square or at company sales points: Horní Street 150, Široká Street 53.
29. 9. (SUN) - SOUTHERN MEANDER
► 13.00 – 15.00 GUIDED WALK TO THE SOUTHERN MEANDER (IN CZ)
A key aspect to the attractiveness of the historical town center of Český Krumlov is the picturesque setting along the twists of three meanders of the Vltava River. The southern meander lies slightly away from the notoriously famous and very frequented roads of the medieval town center. You will visit the following points of interest during the guided walk: EGON SCHIELE GARDEN ATELIER, SYNAGOGUE, MUSEUM PHOTO STUDIO SEIDEL, ST. MARTIN CHAPEL, MUSICAL PAVILION, MUNICIPAL PARK IN ČESKÝ KRUMLOV.
Limited capacity – max. 20 persons, entry fee 50 CZK/person. For reservation and tickets, contact the Info center at Svornosti Square or at www.ckrumlov.info/tickets
Organizers of St. Wenceslas Celebrations:
Town Český Krumlov
Municipal Theater Český Krumlov, o.p.s.
Českokrumlovský rozvojový fond, spol. s r.o.
Hana Pelzová - St.Wenceslas markt
IFF organizers and partners:
Organizers:
Folklórní soubor Růže,
Dětský folklorní soubor Jitřenka
IFF supported by:
County council of South Bohemia, town Český Krumlov, Ministry of Culture, Union of Youth Clubs, Stabex, Cake shop U Soudu, Zemos,
Senator Tomáš Jirsa, Member of Parliament Jan Zahradník, Member of Parliament Karel Schwarzenberg, Mayor of the town Český Krumlov Dalibor Carda
Complete service & tickets booking
Activities - accommodation - guide service - tickets
Infocentrum Český Krumlov
náměstí Svornosti 2
381 01 Český Krumlov
tel.: +420 380 704 622
e-mail: info@ckrumlov.info
www.ckrumlov.info/infocentre
Location on the map | Google Street View
GPS: 48°48'38.91" 14°18'55.44"
St. Wenceslas Tradition in Český Krumlov
The adoration of St. Wenceslas began shortly after his murder in 935 when this Bohemian Duke was canonized and declared as Patron of Bohemia. He is celebrated in "St. Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemian Land" - second oldest Bohemian spiritual song, dating from 12th century.
St. Wenceslas tradition in Český Krumlov dates to the beginning of 14th century. Petr I. of Rosenberg who ruled in Český Krumlov between 1310 and 1347 commissioned in 1302 a construction of St. Wenceslas Chapel next to the parish church (today this building at Kostelní Street 161 houses the Artistic Elementary School).
There are other references to St. Wenceslas around the town such as the altar of St. Vitus parish church, the winter chapel of St. Vitus church, decorations on some buildings, St. Wenceslas statue on the plague column on Svornosti Square, St. Wenceslas relief on the Cloaked Bridge at the Castle.
Chanting St. Wenceslas hymn was another way of worshipping this saint. This is linked with an excellent deed of the first prelate of Český Krumlov, Jiří Bílek of Bílenberk who shortly before his death in 1657, i. e. 346 years ago, established a foundation to celebrate the patron saint St. Wenceslas in order to "chant the St. Wenceslas hymn every Sunday and festive day after the morning mass".
Local St. Wenceslas tradition includes events from recent history such as St. Wenceslas Celebrations which took place on 27 and 28 October 1945 on weekdays (Thursday and Friday). The Czech government wished to celebrate the first St. Wenceslas day in the newly liberated republic with a special significance. And so the celebrations begun on 27 October in the evening by a half-hour long ringing of the church bells in Český Krumlov and elsewhere in the country. A festive torchlight procession set out from the church and reached the square of Český Krumlov. St. Wenceslas hymn was sung, followed by speeches by commanders of local Czechoslovak and American armies. U. S. Army band performed national anthems of both countries. A festive march of all armies stationed near Český Krumlov followed in the morning of 28 October. Afterwards a festive Holy Mass was served in St. Vitus church to commemorate all war victims. St. Wenceslas Celebrations were concluded by a noon concert in front of the town hall.
As you can see, Český Krumlov has a rich tradition to build upon.
Retrospect to 2018
Photogallery
St. Wenceslas Celebrations on CKTV