Under the name "Prague Spring" it is customary to understand a certain period of Czechoslovakia's social life. Then, in 1948, the country tried to escape from the "brotherly" embrace of the Elder Brother - the Soviet Union. This is also the name of the music festival, which has been held annually in the Czech capital since 1946. And we, wandering through the narrow streets of an ancient city, will penetrate the freedom-loving spirit of this people, its harmony and cheerfulness. Spring Prague pleases tourists not only with a music festival, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the composer Smetana (May 12). Walpurgis night and the feast of the Czech Uprising, Annunciation and Easter - secular holidays interspersed with religious ones. The most rich in folk festivals in May. In addition to the traditional Days of Solidarity of Workers and Victims, at the beginning of the month a Romani festival is taking place in Prague.
Three reasons why Prague should be visited in May
The first reason we have already called - the abundance of days off for us (from which you can tailor a small holiday for yourself) and a lot of interesting events in the Czech capital. The second reason is the weather. May in Prague is a really summer month. Cafes and restaurants open the terrace in the fresh air. Parks are full of fragrant flowers. The light day is long, and even after sunset it's nice to take a walk in the warm streets in the ancient streets. And the third reason, the most important: the city is just preparing for the opening of the tourist season, the streets do not yet have a summer crowd, which prevents to make a high-quality snapshot of local attractions. Prague in May is not yet filled in the same way as in July. True, the first decade of the month is considered a "high season", but then the flow of tourists is on a decline. And cheapen the trip to the Mayo River in the capital of the Czech Republic, thanks to the early booking of hotels or, conversely, buying an air ticket the day before the flight.
Weather in Prague in May
What things to take with you, going here at the end of spring? The Czech Republic is not subtropics, but the winters are softer there than in our country, and therefore the spring comes earlier. During the day, even at the beginning of the month, the temperature is at +20 degrees. As elsewhere in the temperate climatic zone, May is the time of thunderstorms. An umbrella, or even a raincoat, is not placed. But downpours sweep quickly, giving the air freshness. The temperature in Prague in May is very comfortable - not hot, but not cold. Of course, there are anomalies, as, for example, very rainy in the spring of 2013, when in the Czech Republic, and throughout Central Europe, there were floods. From footwear we advise to take sneakers or comfortable shoes on a low sole, after all the historical center of Prague is covered with paving stones, which is capable of breaking off heels. Just in case, take a warm sweater, windbreaker or cloak. But in any case because of the weather your vacation will not be spoiled.
Prague for the May holidays
Are you going to use a long weekend at the beginning of the month to go to the capital of the Czech Republic? Although this holiday option can not be called a budget one (as many compatriots will travel with you on a trip), but a colorful parade and other interesting events await you. The May Day demonstration in Prague passes without excessive officialdom. No one takes a voluntarily-compulsory measure, so the real atmosphere of the holiday is felt in the air. The solidarity of the working people in the afternoon is expressed in noisy seating on the summer terraces of a cafe with a glass of beer. Prague on May holidays pleases tourists with an open house in museums. For example, in 2014 free admission is announced in Prague Castle. Usually the ticket there is not cheap. But on May 3, for all comers, not only the main exposition will be opened, but also those premises that are closed for tourists at another time. You have a wonderful opportunity to see the Rudolph Gallery, the Habsburg Salon, go through the Spanish, Rothmayer, Throne, Brozhikov Halls, get into the southern wing of the New Palace. So take this chance: free tours on this day will be held from 9.00 to 16.30.
Walpurgis Night
The eve of May 1 in the Western Christian tradition is considered a time of violence of evil spirits. To expel her from the face of the earth, the Czechs organize colorful rituals. The fun continues all night from April 30 to May 1. The culmination of the holiday is the burning of the stuffed sorceress - the collective image of all evil. They say that "Valpurgisnacht" (Night of the Witches Coven) came to the Czech Republic from Germany, but the researchers believe that the custom of Paleni Charodeynik has pre-Christian roots. Prague in May gives the opportunity to admire other spectacles. For example, no less colorful gypsy festival.
What to do in spring Prague
First of all, buy a so-called tourist card. It gives an opportunity not only to save on public transport, but also to get to the capital museums at a discount, and even for free. So, what to see in Prague in May? We advise you to start with a sightseeing tour around the city. If you arrived in the capital of the Czech Republic yourself, go to any travel agency and purchase this bus and pedestrian tour. Do not like to walk orderly? Then there is another option. From the end of March, a special tramway starts to run through Prague. It is called "Numer 91" or "Nostalgic". For 25 kroons (with children and pensioners asking for 10) you can drive through all the important places in the city. The tram departs every hour from noon until six in the evening, with Vozovna Stresovice.
Prague on foot
If the weather is good, you have comfortable shoes, and you do not mind walking, go for a walk on the historic center of the city on foot. Prague in May - reviews say this unanimously - is not completely filled with tourists. At least, you will be able to take pictures of the Old Town Square without the crowd in the frame. From this place - the heart of the city - almost all excursions begin. After all, there are watches "Orloj", which have become a kind of visiting card of Prague. Pay attention also to the monument to Jan Hus - the famous humanist and religious figure of the Czech Republic. From the Old Town Square you can head towards Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, Zlatu Street or simply delve into the labyrinth of a medieval city. At any time, if you are thirsty or hungry, there are numerous characteristic pubs and a cafe with summer terraces.
Parks of Prague
May throughout the Northern Hemisphere is the time of the riot of spring. Do not forget this in the capital of the Czech Republic. To enjoy cherry blossom, scents of lilac and jasmine, go to Petrshin. Despite the fact that this hill is listed as "Must see" on all tourist maps, there are very few people here. This is for the best. From the observation platform Petrshin all Prague in May - as in the palm of your hand. If you are frightened by the prospect of climbing up on foot, you can climb to the top of the hill by cable car. If you come to Prague with a friend of your heart, be sure to find a monument to Petrshin Karl Gink Mahe. This poet in the Czech Republic, like St. Valentine, is considered the patron saint of all lovers. And if you come on vacation with a child, be sure to visit with him the city zoo. And in any case, do not miss the opportunity to admire the singing fountains. The game of light music and falling jets alternates with the performances of ballet companies.
Prague in the bad weather
The spring sun is whimsical. That will show the ray, then hide behind a cloud. What can we give Prague in May? Reviews of tourists who came to the city in the rainy spring of 2013, are not at all dull. Go to Strahov Monastery, which was built in 1141. Here is a library of old books and an art gallery. Even on a rainy day, you can go to Loretta Cathedral, in the treasury of which is a collection of monsters. The greatest importance is the "Prague Sun", adorned with six thousand diamonds. In 2014, during the whole of May, the Moscow collection of fossil dinosaur remains will be displayed at the local Vistavishte Exhibition Hall for the general public. On this tour you can safely go with the baby. The concept of Czech museums is such that it will be interesting both old and small. The Paris street in Prague is a paradise for a shopaholic: boutiques, branded clothing stores and an endless range of interesting shops.
Festivals
As we already mentioned, Prague in May is rich in cultural events. Some festivals are held every year, and some - every few years. What does May 2014 promise us? On the eighth of this month and until the third of June in Prague, the sixty-sixth annual music festival "Prague Spring" will be held. This event pleases citizens and tourists with concerts not only in the performance of respectable creative groups, such as the National Chamber Orchestra. Along with them, young musicians and young talents can demonstrate their talent. If the ticket for the "Prague Spring" costs 200 kroons, then you can participate for free in the Beer Festival. From May 15 to May 31, on "Vistavishte" fans of a foam drink will be simply fascinated by the choice that opens before them. Czechs are great beer lovers. But they do not forget and have a snack! Together with the famous Czech breweries, the products will be presented by Prague confectioners, butchers and chefs of the leading restaurants of the capital.
Day trips around the city
There is a common opinion that the country is best revealed not by its capital, but by the remote. Czech Republic in this sense is no exception. Prague in May - a photo that demonstrates with all evidence - is beautiful, but even more beautiful look drowning in the lush greenery of flowering gardens small resort towns and proudly towering castles on the rocks. If you spend a weekend in the capital of the Czech Republic, but a whole vacation, it will not be superfluous to go to the travel agency and order a one-day excursion to Cesky Krumlov. Standard trip includes a visit on the way to another castle - Hluboka nad Vltavou. May 2, 2014 in the most famous Czech resort of Karlovy Vary, the resort season will be inaugurated. Saturated festive program will take several days. Following the solemn procession of Charles IV with the suite, theater performances, a gastronomic festival and a fair are expected.