The solemn ignition of the Christmas Tree of the Castle marks the beginning of the Christmas Markets in Prague and the celebrations of Advent, while stalls loaded with colorful decorations invade the squares and in churches and theatres resound the notes of the XII Festival of Musics of Advent and Natalizie.
The Prague markets are considered the richest and most fascinating in the Czech Republic, although the most famous is the Old Town Square, which until January 1 offers all kinds of merchandise, which are perfect gift ideas to surprise friends and relatives: Christmas decorations, nativity scenes, wooden crafts, ceramics, fabric and leather, wool artifacts, jewelry, typical puppets and sweets.
The markets of Wenceslas Square and the square names Miru and Republiky namesti. Also here for sale wooden toys, Bohemian crystals, figurines in corn leaves, straw artifacts, Christmas decorations and typical products.
And so much to enter the climate and appreciate the uniqueness of the goods exposed, in the markets of Advent are staged demonstrations by the artisans and re-enactments of ancient crafts.
From the expert movements of skilled hands you will see born as for enchantment of carved figurines in wood, kitchen mestoles, Christmas decorations interwoven in straw or blown in the glass, crockery and ceramic coats, artistic candles, original jewels and the typical bells of the Child Jesus forged in iron...
While the eye is seduced, the ears abandon themselves to the melodies of the parties and the air smells of sweet and salty aromas. At every corner a new temptation: to try the trdelnik, a sort of cannoli rolled on special wooden sticks, cooked on the burning grill and then confection of cinnamon and sugar, but also würstel and sausages to the plate, boiled bread, dried opulents that smoke on the fire, typical roasted rumen and almonds to the plate, biscuits of the parties
Far from the crowd, in the home walls, the Praghesi celebrate their private Christmas, with traditions and rituals that have been handed down for centuries. As for example, the custom of observing fasting on the day of the Vigil, until the nod. Other than seeing us no more from hunger: in Czech according to tradition abstinence from food would lead to even a golden pig, blessed.
Finally, in the evening around the table – which must be arranged when the first star is seen in heaven – for the occasion the whole family gathers. But be careful: you should not forget to prepare an extra cover, in the event of an unexpected guest, because at Christmas nobody should be alone.
To celebrate the feast, a special menu: fish soup, potato salad, and fried carp. Under everyone’s plate, some carp shark that the ancient belief wants to be a forum for prosperity all year round.
