Christmas Markets in Europe – 5. Prague
Dans la république tchèque, Christmas se fête à travers plus d’un marché. Le principal d’entre eux, l’un des plus célèbres d’Europe, est organisé sur the Square of the old town (Staré Mesto). True to the tradition of European Christmas markets, there are small wooden chalets offering decorations, candles, ceramic items, wooden toys, figurines embellished with corn leaves and many other wonders.
Both gourmets and those with a chilly appetite will find something to delight and warm up in the many kiosks-restaurants offering artisanal pastries. (trdlo), hot chestnuts, grilled sausages of all kinds, without forgetting the famous grog, mulled wine (svarák) and flavored mead.
Comme Noël célèbre avant tout la naissance de Jesus, une crèche est installée sur la grande place et attire un grand nombre d’enfants. Une scène accueille des chorales locales et internationales ainsi que des artistes venus présenter des spectacles pour toute la famille. Durant les festivités, la musique vient des quatre coins de Prague.
Other markets, smaller than the one in the Old Town Square, are worth discovering: the one in Wenceslas Square where the second largest Christmas market in Prague takes place; that of Peace Square (námestí Míru), a little far from the center and frequented mainly by residents; also that of the Place de la République, central, and the one on Václavské Square. There is also Havelska Market which is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Prague. The Prague-Holešovice Exhibition Centre offers, in addition to its market, many other activities. Finally, 30 km north of Prague, Melník Christmas Market offers a quieter atmosphere, away from the frenzy of shopping.
Every year, from November 29 to January 1.
Tomorrow: Christmas in Brussels