On the evening
of April 30th many Czechs gather to build a bonfire and prepare an
effigy of the witch that kept winter around so long. Czechs used to
believe that the power of witches would weaken as the weather got
warmer. So they thought that if they made something that looked like a
witch and burned it, they could finally get rid of the cold weather.
First, they tie two large sticks together to form a cross. Then they
stuff old shirts, pants and socks with straw and place a pointed hat on
the top of the stack. The witch is tied to a broomstick and set aside
until darkness falls. When the fire is roaring, people roast sausages on
sticks, strum guitars, sing their favourite songs and drink beer.
Everyone looks forward to nightfall, when they will face the spirits of
the witches. As soon as it's dark, the effigy of the witch is brought
out and held up for all to see. Then, with a heave of the arm, it is
thrown on top of the bonfire. As the witch burns, so does the last of
winter's chill.
This tradition is mostly celebrated in the smaller towns and villages
rather than in Prague. In Prague probably the best place to head to is
the Petřín Hill.
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