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A great way to brighten the winter blues
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January 30th, 2008 issue

First-time visitors to the Czech Republic are always struck by the disparity between the country’s atheist bent and its profusion of religious riches: stunning churches on literally every block, statues of saints lining Charles Bridge, national holidays honoring religious figures such as Sts. Cyril and Methodius. Many of the most engaging customs and celebrations are also tied to traditional Christian feasts, notably Christmas and Easter.

As guests working in this country who were not raised here, we don’t get it, either. But we are happy to learn the customs and join in the festivities, particularly for the carnival season that starts this weekend, marking the final days before Lent.
Shrovetide celebrations in Bohemia and Moravia date to the 14th and possible 13th centuries, and are said to have peaked with the blowout that Italian painter and party hound Giuseppe Arcimboldo arranged for Rudolf II in Prague in 1570. But the tradition is by no means restricted to Central Europe. It has ancient and probably pagan roots throughout the world, with elements such as masks, costumes, music, parades and burning effigies still prominent features of many contemporary celebrations.
It’s easy to understand the appeal. Winter is cold, gray and depressing, and, as the bitter weather extends into February, the spirit yearns for hope and light and the promise of warmer days ahead. That may not explain the gay abandon of carnival celebrations in the tropics, but, for much of the world, there’s no better cure for the winter doldrums than kick-starting the fertility rites of spring.
So it’s good to see CzechTourism promoting the various carnival celebrations that have sprung up throughout the country, and city officials in Prague supporting a greatly expanded program this year. One of the better features of the Prague carnival is its family focus, with many activities designed expressly for children. While we’re more inclined toward the late-night adult fare, much of the spirit of carnival is childlike in nature — and no one feels cabin fever more at this time of year than kids.
So, whether you’re watching parades on Old Town Square or making the scene at the masked ball in Žižkov, we encourage you to join in the fun. There are not many activities that cut across all ages and cultures and bind people in a common spirit of celebration. And this one is good for the soul.


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