Many countries and cultures around the globe have their own celebrations to welcome the season of Lent, such as Mardi Gras in the US and Carnival in Brazil. The Czech Republic has its own celebration, the Masopust Festival. Masopust is celebrated throughout Moravia and in some parts of Bohemia as well. Though relatively new, one of the most well-known celebrations takes place in the Žižkov district of Prague from February 21st through the 24th.
Masopust is literally translated as “farewell to meat” and is often a time for indulgence, celebration and revelry. It has been celebrated for hundreds of years in parts of the country, and some villages, such as Studnice, take it very seriously. The diverse Prague neighborhood of Žižkov has had its own celebration since 1994 and it has turned into one of the biggest attractions in the city.
A children’s party starts the celebration off on the 21st of February, while a costume ball for adults occurs later in the evening. The party ends on the 24th with a parade which runs by the TV Tower, Prague Town Hall, Žižkov and ends at Jiřiho z Poděbrad;. It will feature a folklore group from Studnice and end with a martial arts and fire exhibition by the group Palitchi.
