A Year in the Village: Walpurgis Night

A Year in the Village: Walpurgis Night

April 26, 2025, Antonín Dvořák Birth House, Nelahozeves

As part of the year-long series A Year in the Village, we warmly invite you to a day of creativity and traditional crafts, offering a glimpse into rural life in the 19th century.

Walpurgis Night, now commonly known as the Witch-Burning Night, is a Christian holiday with roots tracing back to ancient Celtic pagan rituals. It falls on the night before May 1, which in Bohemia was once the feast day of the apostles St. Philip and St. James. The lighting of fires and burning of straw witches symbolizes the banishment of evil and the arrival of the sun-filled season of life and renewal.

Join us on April 26 at the Antonín Dvořák Birth House in Nelahozeves to experience the atmosphere of a village awakening after a long winter. Watch a basket weaver at work, create your own keepsake, and immerse yourself in the spirit of old Czech spring traditions.

Step back in time with us to an era when people spoke, worked, and lived in ways very different from today.

Tickets

What to Look Forward To


Workshop with a Talk

- A short talk about the traditions of Walpurgis Night, followed by a quiz and a creative activity. Make your own witch and maypole.

- Duration: 60 minutes

- Times: 10:00, 13:00, 15:00 – Reservation required

- Capacity: Max. 30 people per session

- Suitable for families with children


Basket Weaving Demonstration & Whistle-Making

An experienced basket weaver will showcase his traditional craft throughout the day. In the Dance Hall, visitors can also try their hand at making whistles.


Scavenger Hunt in the Exhibition

 An interactive scavenger hunt for both children and adults. A smartphone is required.

Tickets

What else can you look forward to in the “Year in the Village” cycle

A Year in the Village is a series of events that invites visitors to explore traditional life in a mid-19th-century Czech village at Antonín Dvořák Birth House. Upcoming workshops and craft demonstrations include:

Pentecost - June

Harvest Festival - August

Feast Day Celebrations - October

Advent – December

Discover the traditions of a Czech village with House of Lobkowicz! We will keep you informed about all events in advance on our website and social media.