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Some of us celebrate the end of winter with a spring clean, whilst others take to the streets in elaborate carnival outfits for Mardi Gras. In Prague, airport transfers drivers steer well clear of the roads for the evening, as the people celebrate the temperate season in an entirely different way, by burning a hag on a bonfire…
On the last night of April, many Czechs gather around hillside bonfires to celebrate Paleni Carodejnic, the annual burning of witches. In order to keep the hags at bay, the locals burn their broomsticks and huge effigies of witches and hags, which are similar in appearance to the Guy Fawkes burnt in England on Bonfire Night.
Paleni Carodejnic has more than its fair share of rituals and traditions, one of which sees young lovers jump over the dying embers of bonfires. Single men are also encouraged, on this date, to leave tokens of freshly cut branches on the doorstop of the women of the affections.
It was once believed that the evil powers on this evening, which falls in between the ancient feast days of St. Jacob and St. Phillip, were far stronger than normal and that for this evening only they ruled over the good. Flocks of witches riding broomsticks were said to soar the skies and the Czechs believed that the bonfires would bring them down in flames. Nowadays the celebration is far more lighthearted and the biggest bonfire in the country takes place in the centre of Prague.
How do I get there?
The main celebrations take place on Petrin Hill, which is located in the centre of Prague. The closest airport is Ruzyne, which is located 15 minutes away from the city centre. Once there, you can book Prague airport transfers direct from the airport to your hotel. Shuttle Direct offers airport taxis and shuttle buses from most airports in Europe from as little as £7!
When is it on?
Witches Night is an annual festival and takes place every year on April 30.
Brilliant, tell me more?
For further information, visit www.pragueexperience.com
Štěpán Stich is a Prague airport transfers driver for Shuttle Direct. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.