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It is April 30, and to appreciate the beauty of springtime in Prague, residents need to ensure that the evils of winter are gone. With bonfires, music, and roasting meals, Czechs celebrate Čarodějnice (Witches Night), which involves the burning of the winter witches on this night.

The centuries-old tradition is a cultural practice, with the witch as a symbol of winter. Thus burning witches signifies the end of winter and the coming of spring.

Where Did It All Begin?

The custom is believed to have roots in Germany during the Middle Ages. On the same day, April 30, Germans celebrate Walpurgis Night. In the Czech Republic, this custom is packed with fun activities for the night. Communities across the country spend a spring evening by the fire, roasting meats, singing songs, and staying up late since the next day is the May 1 holiday.

Additionally, it is an opportunity to dress up as a witch for those willing, dance by the fire, and create a witch effigy to burn. Most effigies are made of sticks, straw, and old clothes.

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This tradition borrows a lot from the German Walpurgis Night. Germans honor Saint Walpurgis with their celebration. She was an 8th-century abbess who fought pests, diseases, and witchcraft. Over time Germans started praying to her as a mediator when they were battling evil spirits and they overcame. Hence May 1^st was set as her day and April 30, marks the eve of the Christian feast day of Saint Walpurga.

Moreover, Beltane the Gaelic May Day festival, which marks the beginning of summer is another parallel to the Czech burning of the witches celebration. Beltane was traditionally held on 1 May and historically observed in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The Gaelic festival is known for activities like walking cattle between lucky bonfires to chase off evil spirits.

In all these festivals, a common factor is that winter appears to empower witches and their activities. As warm weather sets in during spring, lighting fires is a way to embrace the warm environment and send off winter and its symbolic evil deeds.

How Czechs Celebrate Witches Night

Across the Czech Republic, large bonfires are built in most villages. During the day, older children help the adults create the woodpile to be ignited later that evening. In Prague, parks are hotspot celebrations for this event.

Besides the fires, the event includes fire-cooked meats like sausages, beer, music, dance, and a crowd to join the fun. The food may feature vegetarian alternatives while the music could range from guitars around the fire, to open-air concerts.

In Prague, celebrating Čarodějnice in parks is popular with bonfires, live music, food, and beer steering the fun. Some of the renowned venues include Ladronka Park, Břevnov Monastery, Žluté lázně, and Kampa Park. Those who are not into big crowds, can call some friends over and set up a bonfire somewhere of their choice.

Additionally, each year is unique and sometimes fires in the city are banned for different reasons such as in the middle of a drought. In 2024 celebrations, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute issued a fire warning on April 29, following a gusting wind forecast.

Responding to the warning, Prague City banned the making of fires in risky areas such as gardens, parks, and forests. However, according to city officials, there will be exceptions where organized events have fire safety measures in place. Whether it is in small or big crowds, Czechs are sure to get winter evil spirits as far away from them as possible every April, 30.