Colors of Karlovy Vary - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Karlovy Vary (also known as Carlsbad) is a popular and prestigious resort, but in addition to local attractions and beauty of the local nature travelers are attracted by the peculiar culture of local people. Just like many years ago, various handcrafts here are a thriving business. Locals follow the traditions of their ancestors and celebrate holidays, the age of many of which is several hundred years. Even New Year celebration here is different from the rest of Europe.

The reason for this is the fact that the 31th of December is the day when local residents celebrate an old religious holiday - the Day of St. Sylvester. Holiday celebrations begin early in the morning, when the streets of the city become the location of interesting fairs, concerts and activities for children. On this day people should have fun and walk in the city until the evening, and when darkness falls to the city locals come back home and prepare a festive table.

According to a good old tradition, carp baked with apples should be among the dishes on the New Year's table. This dish is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity. However, poultry dishes should be avoided on the festive table. It is believed that birds can carry away the happiness that awaits hosts next year. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Catholic Epiphany is celebrated on January 6. This holiday also has a lot of interesting features. Locals call it the Day of the Three Kings. The appearance of this title is associated with a beautiful legend. It is believed that three most powerful pagan kings - Melchior, Caspar and Valtaras – came to bow to baby Jesus soon after he’d been born. They brought lavish gifts to Bethlehem. That important event of pagans worshipping Jesus is remembered even these days.

On the day of the celebration beautiful parades and marches are traditionally organized in the city. Children are usually dressed up in beautiful costumes of kings, and they bypass nearby houses in order to congratulate everyone and give small gifts. Charity in this day has also become a good tradition. All funds that the local actors and ordinary residents manage to collect are sent to charity. Many national holidays have religious nature, however, they are still distinguished by numerous funny and entertaining activities, so there’s no wonder why so many travellers are eager to participate in them. Tourists will be interested to participate in the celebration of Shrovetide and Easter, as well as to visit the city in early May, when locals celebrate Labor Day.

For many cinema fans, Karlovy Vary is, first of all, the location of such a famous event as the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival that takes place at the end of June or the beginning of July. This event is just as popular and well-known as film festivals in Cannes, Berlin, Moscow, and Venice, shaping the image of the modern Czech Republic on an international level. During the event, guests of the city can watch the newest films that have never been screened before. And, of course, they can find out who will be awarded for their efforts.

Jarní Porcelánové Slavnosti is a no less attractive event for all fans of art. The event’s visitors can see true masterpieces made of porcelain. By the way, it is possible to purchase many items at attractive prices. The festival takes place two times a year, at the beginning of May and the beginning of September. Grandhotel Pupp is a traditional location of this wonderful event. For travelers, it is also very interesting to visit Food Festival Karlovy Vary that usually takes place in front of Hotel Thermal at the beginning of May. The food festival has an interesting schedule that includes pastry making master classes (children are usually particularly excited to participate in them), local and international cuisine sampling sessions, and competitions of chefs and barmen (it is a true delight to watch these contests and cheer up the “favorite” master).

Mid-October is the time for a very interesting music festival that will certainly draw the attention of all fans of quality music. The event is called Jazzfest, and it is usually held at Mlýnská Kolonáda. Here, visitors can listen to iconic hits that are well-known around the world and new versions of legendary vibes. Of course, jazz music is the main priority at this event, but visitors can also listen to funk, blues, and soul music. Special jazz sessions that visitors are welcome to attend are a true gift to all fans of this music style.

To get acquainted with the culture of the Czech Republic and other countries, it is hard to find a better event than Karlovarský Folklorní Festival. During this event, which takes place at the beginning of September, the area between Hotel Thermal and Grandhotel Pupp greets hundreds of artists from different parts of the world. The schedule includes music concerts, dancing shows, an extensive gastronomic program, theatrical performances, costume shows, and an artisan fair. It is safe to say that Karlovarský Folklorní Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Karlovy Vary. Sport is also popular in the city. For example, everyone is welcome to attend Mattoni marathon that is held at the beginning of February. At the beginning of September, Karlovy Vary hosts a city triathlon competition.