After you arrive in the Czech Republic, you will discover one peculiar curiosity that will affect your life to a point, Czech state holidays, a big part of your #LifeInCzechia. When September comes, it comes with many pleasantries, including St. Wenceslas Day celebrated on September 28th, when the Czech Republic also celebrates Statehood Day, and there are a few things you definitely need to know about it.
Who is St. Wenceslas?
You may ask yourself, who is that St. Wenceslas and why does he have a day of his own? Well, that’s the easiest part. While visiting Prague you couldn’t have skipped Wenceslas Square or Václavské náměstí in Czech. Just like the Vltava, this historical avenue is making life run through the city. It all starts with the National Museum Building and everyone who is about to discover the museum’s mysteries is welcomed by Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia, standing at the highest point of the square. The monument was built between 1887 and 1924, the granite pedestal bears the inscription: “Saint Wenceslas, Duke of the Czech land, prince of ours, do not let us perish, nor our descendants”.
Born in 907, the son of the Duke of Bohemia was raised by his grandmother Ludmilla, in consonance with her Christian faith. Ludmilla later became his regent but was assassinated shortly after. Regardless of many odds, Wenceslas made his way to the throne. While being surrounded by political intrigues and general human dishonor as an instrument of political struggle, Wenceslas stood for Christian values, unification within Bohemia, and peaceful co-existence with neighboring Germany. As you may guess, this wasn’t very popular among his political rivals, who were way more self-centered and used their power for their own profit. According to the legend he was assassinated by his younger brother, Boleslav the Cruel. Although the assassination had political motives, Wenceslaus was hailed as a martyr for the faith and became a patron saint of the Czech Republic.
St. Wenceslas Legend
St. Wenceslas is considered to be a protector of the Czech Republic and Czech people, and there is a legend, saying that an army of knights sleeps under Blaník a mountain in the Czech Republic. They will awake and, under the command of Wenceslaus, bring aid to the Czech people in their ultimate danger. There is a similar legend in Prague which says that when the Motherland is in danger or in its darkest times and close to ruin, the equestrian statue of King Wenceslaus in Wenceslaus Square will come to life, raise the army sleeping in Blaník, and upon crossing the Charles Bridge his horse will stumble and trip over a stone, revealing the legendary sword of Bruncvík. With this sword, King Wenceslaus will slay all the enemies of the Czechs, bringing peace and prosperity to the land.
What to expect on St. Wenceslas Day
The Royal Crown, Orb, and Sceptre will be on display in the Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle as part of the St. Wenceslas celebrations from Tuesday, 17 September, to Monday, 30 September. This year’s exhibition, titled The Mysterious Power of Gemstones, will highlight the precious stones adorning the St. Wenceslas crown – and, thanks to holographic animation, will for the first time reveal the original colouring of the crown with which Charles IV was crowned in 1347.
For the wine lovers, exclusively on September 28th, the annual St. Wenceslas Wine Festival is held in Prague at Villa Richter. You will be offered delicious local wine and an incredible panorama to enjoy. Feel free to enter the venue at any time during the day but keep in mind, you need to pay the entrance fee and later pay for your drinks and meals at the festival.
If you fancy traveling, you may take a one-hour journey by train to Kutna Hora, the most treasured touristic destination. On September 28th you will be offered live music, a craftsmanship market, wine tasting, and many more.
Have already been there? Not a problem. Enjoy a day at Svijany Castle, where you will be offered a great variety of Czech beer and a diverse cultural program. Some other famous Czech castles are offering similar programs, for instance, the St. Wenceslas Pilgrimage Mass will take place in the castle chapel in Náměšt nad Oslavou. The castle is one hour by car from Brno, If you live there, that can be your choice.
Finally, you may travel to the third biggest city of the Czech Republic, Ostrava, which offers you an immersive experience of church and early music as a part of the Svatováclavský music festival.
If you are going shopping …
As St. Wenceslas Day is a state holiday, it will affect your life and plans, as it is usually an official day off work and many shops are closed on this day, though small shops with an area of less than 200 square meters can remain open. So if you are going shopping in Prague or any other Czech city, keep this small detail in mind and enjoy the holiday.
Interested in other Czech holidays? Be sure to read about Saints Cyril & Methodius Day or Hody: A Joyous Tradition in the Czech Republic.
