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An old fair, a new spin

St. Matthew's thrills riders with free falls, bright lights and a medieval tradition

March 21st, 2007 issue

Jan Přerovský/THE PRAGUE POST
Despite chilly weather, crowds turn out en masse for the newly made-over fair, which stars the high-tech Sound Machine, above, and traditional attractions, from sausage stands to the Ferris wheel.
On its 412th anniversary, St. Matthew’s Fair, or Matějská pouť, has evolved since its original conception. The popularity of the saint’s name day in the Dejvice district, where his parish originally stood, forced a move to the Výstaviště exhibition center in Holešovice in 1963.
Adrenaline junkies still have three weeks to test their fortitude with nearly 120 attractions. Having recovered from the lean years after 1989, in which star rides were weathered flying swans and the řetízák (a merry-go-round with seats on chains), the organizers now incorporate Dutch and German operators who bring along the latest technology.
St. Matthew's Fair

Until April 15
Tues.–Fri.2 p.m.–9 p.m.
Sat.–Sun.10 a.m.–10 p.m.

More photos here

The fair now includes the Booster, offering riders the thrill of a lengthy free fall. The Ferris wheel, or Ruské kolo, whisks them to heights of 35 meters (115 feet). The new haunted house evokes screams, while the WasserBahn, a water slide, shoots riders at speeds of up to 45 kilometers (28 miles) per hour. The classic roller coaster, the longest in the Czech Republic, also awaits.


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