Five-Petalled Rose Celebrations: A Step Into Another Time
Sounds of medieval music resonate through the historical center of the town and its narrow lanes are filled with various conjurers and swordsmen. The market men have put up their stalls and the packed tavern on the main square emanates singing as well as a delicious smell of roasted meat. Český Krumlov has been transformed into a living history festival. This year’s annual Five-Petalled Rose Celebrations take place from 20th to 22nd June.
This year’s Five-Petalled Rose Celebrations mark 40th anniversary of the renewed tradition. The captivating atmosphere of the Celebrations spreads through the entire historical center, down to even the smallest lane. This year’s 22nd annual Celebrations will be no different and on top will bring a number of new additions. A marked departure from the tradition is the change of the main podium’s location from the Svornosti Square to the Brewery Gardens. The unique Eggenberg Brewery Gardens will provide the backdrop for the concert of a well-known musician Ritchie Blackmore and his wife Candice Night on the first day of this Renaissance festival called Blackmore´s night. Tickets for the show can be purchased either in the Český Krumlov Infocenter or in the Ticketpro and Ticketstream points of sale. Another favorable change compared to previous years is a reduction in entry fees. Friday admission to the town will be free of charge with the exception of the Blackmore’s night concert (CZK 650). Admission for adults on Saturday will be CZK 200, reduced to CZK 150 in advance sale and CZK 100 for students (holders of ISIC or ITIC cards). Admission on Sunday will be again free of charge. Children until 15 years of age pay a reduced admission fee of CZK 50 and children until 10 years of age, handicapped persons and visitors in historical costumes have free admission on all days.
Fans of costumed processions will have a field day on both Saturday and Sunday. The festive costumed procession will start on Saturday at 3pm and will proceed through the town center in the Brewery gardens where the traditional ceremony will take place. In the evening, various kinds of fire will light up the crooked lanes and create a magical atmosphere in the town. The Torch-lit procession will launch the Summer Solstice celebration on 21st June at 10pm, followed by various fire shows across the town. Many conjurers and artists will display their skills with fire for the visitors’ admiration and pleasure. The Fire Celebrations will be crowned by the midnight fireworks from the southern terraces of the Krumlov Castle and an antique costumed float on the river Vltava.
On Sunday morning, the program is traditionally aimed at children who can choose from a wide selection of various events. Both children and their parents can peek behind the scenes of film stunts profession on Sunday and even try some stunts on their own. As the tradition commands, the pupils of local Krumlov schools will compete in a number of contests. The history-based contest Young Noblemen Jousting Tournament starts on Sunday at 11 am in the Brewery gardens. The Brewery gardens will also host a traditional chess tournament acted out with live chess-pieces on an area of 12 x 12 meters. Live chess starts at 3 pm.
During the entire period of the Celebrations, both the town of Český Krumlov and its visitors will be steeped in ancient history. It is an opportunity not to be missed.
A new service for families with young children will be launched during this year’s Five-Pointed Rose Celebrations, aptly named mimibar. In this “mimibar”, parents of young children and babies will find refuge and rest as well as a place to feed babies and change their nappies. And should you will forget a nappy or another baby accessory, no problem. Sufficient supplies of baby-relevant items will be at hand and volunteers will stand by to assist you with almost anything you wish. Mimibar will be located in the Monastery gardens, a few steps away from the Castle and close to the Brewery gardens. For more details, please view www.mimibar.cz.
Find your inspiration in photographs from last year’s 21st Five-Petalled Rose.
For more information and up-to-date listings please go to www.ckrumlov.cz/slavnosti2008
Tickets pre-sale:
Infocenter Český Krumlov, náměstí Svornosti 2, info@ckrumlov.cz, Tel.: +420 380 704 621
UNIOS TOURIST SERVICE, Zámek 57, tourist.service@unios.cz, Tel.: +420 380 725 110
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