Saint Wenceslas Day

St. Wenceslas Day celebration is annually held on the occasion of the Day of St. Wenceslas – of Duke of Bohemia and saint, the patron of Czech lands, all over the Czech Republic.

Wenceslas I (about 907 - September 28, 935) is one of the most popular Czech saints, patron of Czech lands, a martyr, and a figure which tradition played a very important role in the emancipation of the state and in the Přemyslid dynasty in Christian Europe.
He lived pious and moral life and visited frequently divine services, cared about the extension of the Christian faith throughout the nation, built numerous Christian churches and held acts of mercy and love.
Wenceslas I was the son of Prince Vratislav and apparently his only wife Drahomíra. His grandparents were the first historically documented Přemyslide Prince Borivoj I and his wife Saint Ludmila. On 28th September 935, Wenceslas was murdered by his brother Boleslav in Stara Boleslav. After his death he was canonised as a saint, and since 2000, the date of his death is a public holiday in the Czech Republic.

Saint Wenceslas Day in Stara Boleslav
The St. Wenceslas Day celebration takes place every year in both of the churches of the town of Stará Boleslav, in the basilica of St. Wenceslas and the pilgrimage church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It culminates in a special mass by the Archbishop of Prague in the town square. In addition there is a rich cultural and entertainment program, which takes place in the historical centre of the town and in neighbouring park of Houštka Spa.
Date of the event: 28 September 2010

St. Wenceslas Day parade in Mlada Boleslav
This is an ideal opportunity for experts and fans of veteran vehicles. The city of Mladá Boleslav will be the site of a procession and meeting of historic motor vehicles with many accompanying events for young and old visitors.
When the event: 28 September 2010

Saint Wenceslas Day in Cesky Krumlov
An autumn fair in Cesky Krumlov, celebrating good food and drink, with theatrical performances and concerts dedicated to St. Wenceslas, St. Wenceslas market, museums and galleries night and other cultural program.
Date of the event: September 24 – 28, 2010

Saint Wenceslas Day in Kutna Hora
Folk celebrations, folk, country and modern music, craft market, wine tasting, fireworks. This traditional cultural event of Kutna Hora offers interesting program for children and adults annually on the last Saturday in September and it is a pleasant ending of summer.
Date of the event: 25 September 2010

St. Wenceslas meeting of people of good will in Marianske Lazne
Celebration to end of the spa season and simultaneously of the national holiday of the Czech Republic takes place at a park of Krakonos Hotel in Marianbad with the participation of representatives of Christian churches. There will perform popular music group Olympic and Herold group with a knight, flag and drum show, for the smallest visitors there will be children's theatre and for adults stalls selling refreshments, souvenirs and other crafts products.
Date of the event: 25 September 2010

St. Wenceslas horse show in Hradec Kralove
The program includes demonstrations of riding school, period costumes, traditional fair and new tradition of hand-ringing unique cathedral gothic bells and the city bell Augustin.
Date of the event: 28 September 2010

Saint Wenceslas Day in Breclav
Rich cultural program with folklore music, fair of folk crafts and dancing entertainment.
Date of the event: September 24 – 26, 2010

St. Wenceslas Vintage in Prague
Celebration with traditional stalls selling wine, young wine and gastronomic delicacies. Visitors can also see the authentic process of pressing of grapes with wine tasting, see and try the work with historic wine utensils, watch jousts or enjoy a unique view of the town together with music. The figure of St. Wenceslas with his entourage will finish the festival. Enjoy a day full of music, song and wine in the area of Prague Castle.
Date of the event: September 4 – 28, 2010