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5 reasons why Czechs have their Valentine’s Day in May

Late evening, on the first of May—The twilight May—the time of love,” is the first verse from Karel Hynek Mácha’s romantic poem called “May”. Although Czechs have celebrated May 1st as a day of love for centuries, Mácha made this habit even more popular thanks to his poem.

Here are the 5 reasons why Czechs have their day of love on 1 May instead of 14 February

• It’s spring, so love is in the air… of course.
• In the Czech Republic, the weather in May is definitely better than in February – it’s a better time to walk hand in hand and you won’t freeze while kissing.
• It’s a public holiday (International Labour Day) so you can celebrate this day properly with your loved one.
• Not many countries have their day of love on 1 May, so this habit makes Czechia special.
• Karel Hynek Mácha, the Czech patron of love, knew what he was writing about (and that made him one of the “best influencers” in local history).

Those are the reasons why local people refuse to celebrate Valentine’s Day and strictly stick to May. Why not join them? Love should be celebrated as much as possible… Here is a list of selected events held in May, the month of love in the Czech Republic, to strengthen your love…

All lovers go to Petřín on 1 May

If you are in the Czech Republic on 1 May (or any other day in May), you should kiss your love under a blossoming cherry tree or birch tree. The legend says that a lady who is not kissed there will wither the following year. You’d better kiss on Petřín Hill near angelo by Vienna House Prague with nice views of the city and combine the kissing with the second most famous tradition – visiting Mácha’s sculpture and putting some flowers there to honour his memory.

Our tip for singles:

You can still find a “partner in crime” for kissing under the blossoming cherry tree on the eve of May as Czechs celebrate Witch Burning Night on 30 April. All the witches (actually puppets) are burned at the stake to have a good harvest season and to celebrate spring. You can spot huge bonfires in Prague (the traditional places are Kampa Park in Prague 5 and Ladronka Park in Prague 6), Pilsen and Carlsbad. These “social” local events are crowded by people having fun, so it might be a good place to meet your better half or at least someone to experience 1 May here with.

 May Day: Ride your bike together in Pilsen

Are the two of you fans of powerful machines? Then join the traditional event at the courtyard of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery on 1 May 2017 at 11.30 a.m. just across from the angelo by Vienna House Pilsen. Up to a thousand bikes of all types and sizes are expected to gather there and then hit the road together at around noon for a May Day ride. You are invited to come and admire the bikes, soak up the atmosphere of the Pilsen brewery and enjoy a brewery tour dedicated to the world-famous Pilsner Urquell lager.

Pink May – Rosé wine festival in Prague

Did you know that the Czech Republic has its vineyards? Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate your love with rosé wines and clarets during the festival named “Růžový máj” (Pink May). The festival is held on Saturday, 13 May from 10.00 a.m. till 9.00 p.m. at Náplavka (Rašín’s riverbank in Prague 2) near andel’s by Vienna House Prague. There you can meet about 30 Bohemian and Moravian winemakers and taste wine-related food including grilled fish and seafood, baguettes stuffed with meat and herbs, vegetarian and vegan specialties and many other delicacies.

Open the spa season together

Karlovy Vary takes care of its visitors and patients all year round. But the beginning of each new summer season in the biggest Czech spa town is traditionally and officially celebrated during the first weekend in May (5–7 May 2017). The highlight of the celebrations is an allegorical procession on Saturday. It will move through the whole spa district and will be led by the founder of the town, Emperor and King Charles IV. Don’t forget to book a romantic curative stay at Vienna House Dvořák Karlovy Vary to kick start your body after the long winter.

Run together: All runners are beautiful

The Prague Marathon held on 7 May 2017 belongs to the most beautiful marathons in the world. This world-class event was launched in 1995 under the patronage of legendary Olympic champion Emil Zátopek. Start your journey in the Old Town Square, leaving behind the world-famous Astronomical Clock and run through the ancient streets down to the Vltava River, where you’ll enjoy a splendid view of Prague Castle while crossing the Charles Bridge –one of the most magnificent Gothic bridges in the world.
Let’s train for the marathon together! Don’t miss the opportunity to run with the hotel managers at Vienna House Diplomat Prague. We start every morning at 7.00 a.m. at the reception. So bring your running shoes with you when staying with us.
 
If you can’t visit us in May, rest assured that the Czech Republic is considered to be one of the most romantic places and still has so much to offer all year long. See you soon!