Just in case you’re looking for reasons to visit Prague ‐ other then the beautiful weather, the stunning gardens at the Castle and on Petrin Hill, and the amazing architecture, then in May we have a few festivals that might tickle your fancy.
Story Highlights
- Czech Beer Festival
- The 65th Prague Spring International Music Festival
- The Prague Food Festival
- May Day Music Festival
- Fringe Festival Praha 2010
Czech Beer Festival ‐ May 14 to May 30, 2010
Let’s start with the most important festival because beer is our national treasure and this is your chance to experience an abundance of it! Other names for this one include The Czech Oktoberfest or 17 Days of Heaven ‐ when you can experience the very best from Czech breweries, chefs, butchers and bakers. All of this is contained within eight tents, with a capacity for 10,000 people. There’s also going to be live music if you fancy a little dance and the servers will be adorned in national costumes. Even if you don’t like beer (this event might change that) it is worth coming along for the atmosphere and the many merry Czechs ‐ dancing to country songs. I’m not even kidding! The festival will be held in Vystaviste Letnany ‐ just off the C line of the metro. The station you need is called Letnany.
The 65th Prague Spring International Music Festival ‐ May 12 to June 4, 2010
That’s right ‐ we’re up to number 65 already! The Prague Spring International Music Festival is truly one of a kind as it has gone through and survived all possible kinds of twists and changes ‐ historical, political and cultural. Throughout all of this it has always showcased outstanding performances from solo artists, symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles, from all over the world. Some of the famous guests over the years have included Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan and Luciano Pavarotti. This year won’t be a let down either and you can look forward to seeing the amazing sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar in her second guest appearance at the festival. Legendary conductor, pianist and Oscar winner several times over ‐ André Previn is also on the bill. You can grab tickets from the Ticketpro offices.
The Prague Food Festival ‐ May 28 to May 30, 2010
I’ve covered beer and music, so now it’s time for food. What else could you ask for? In this case we’re talking about the top chefs showing off their culinary skills in a three day celebration of food, drink and the beauty of Prague. The festival is after all located in the gorgeous gardens of the Prague Castle. Imagine all the fountains, baroque sculptures and unique views that come with it! Visitors can try both local and exotic delicacies, served up by more than 30 of the best restaurants in Prague. The specialties this year will include stuffed quail with asparagus ragout, rabbit in Dijon sauce with green and white asparagus, and nougat tiramisu! Tickets are 400 CZK each (with 250 CZK returned in the form of food and drink vouchers) and are available through Ticketpro offices.
May Day Music Festival ‐ May 1, 2010
This is the third annual festival organised by the anti‐fascist organization Antifasisticka akce. Come and see how art and politics work together and enjoy some great music ‐ all for free! Headlining this year is The Robocop Kraus from Germany and the festival will be held on an island in the river Vltava ‐ Cisarska louka.
Fringe Festival Praha 2010 ‐ May 28 to June 5, 2010
Last but definitely not least is a festival that is a bit of fun for everyone! The Fringe is a marathon of theatre, dance, music and comedy from around the globe ‐ kind of like the beloved Edinburgh Fringe Festival, only a little smaller and way cheaper. Now in its ninth year, the Fringe attracts a crowd of locals and foreigners which creates a great international atmosphere. There will be over 200 performances making it impossible not to find something that you like! The hot acts this year will be Newcastle’s award winning Playing with My Heart, also known as the Human Jukebox. Her real name is Gail Whitmore and she has a repertoire of over 1000 songs. Tickets are 150 CZK or 50 CZK for students. You can pick them up from Ticketstream offices.
‐ Kristýna Svobodová
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