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Cesky Krumlov

Most of the guests from The Czechs love history and many of them have transformed this interest into an active hobby. Having succumbed to the charm of bygone days, many people in this country take an active interest in history in their leisure time. Taking advantage of this interest in the past, numerous towns decided to stage town celebrations. In this respect the town of Cesky Krumlov, once the focal point of the famous Rozmberk demesne, really has no rival in this country. Every year, at the end of June, a popular historical festival called the Cinquefoil Rose Celebrations take place there.

The pearl in the crown of Czech historical towns, Cesky Krumlov is worth visiting in every season of the year as it provides unusual experiences to visitors. Encircled by a meander of the River Vltava, the town centre has survived practically intact: it has preserved Gothic and Renaissance houses and a square with a Renaissance town hall to which a maze of picturesque narrow streets connects. Monasteries and churches provide the town with dignity. All this is overlooked by the town's distinct dominant feature, the chateau with a circular tower, the second largest complex of its kind in Bohemia after Prague Castle.Cesky Krumlov experienced its period of glory and heyday in the 16th century, in the reign of Vilem of Rozmberk, the last but one Lord of the Rose. One of the most prominent representatives of the Czech Renaissance, Lord Vilem was able to compete even with Emperor Rudolf II in terms of wealth and magnificent lifestyle. It is the period of his reign in which the annual Cinquefoil Rose Celebrations are set. The organizers like to joke that - pleased when the great moments of his life are recalled - Lord Vilem sends them good weather. This year the weather should really be good, since the theme of the celebrations is weddings, or more precisely, the marriage of Lord Vilem (his fourth) and the high-born Lady Polyxena of Pernstejn which took place in 1587.

Renowned for their unique atmosphere, the Cinquefoil Rose Celebrations attract crowds of visitors as well as active participants to the town every year. It is difficult to remain a mere onlooker, as the celebrations really become the town's heartbeat. For three days the town centre seems as it has transformed itself, going back in time. There is something up everywhere. You can encounter many noble ladies and gentlemen clad in beautiful garments in the streets. They are not just actors, but local citizens, who have purchased splendid period clothes for the occasion in order to represent their town properly. In every free corner some interesting programme is going on - performances by theatre groups, dancers, fencers, flag bearers, musicians and jugglers. Visitors have an opportunity to enjoy knights' tournaments or even take part in some disciplines or enjoy musical performances at concerts staged in the picturesque town's historical spaces, which are numerous indeed, as well as at merry concerts in the streets. There are theatre performances, both enter-taining and festive, and people dancing and singing right in the streets. The relaxed atmosphere lasts well into the night.

Historical processions through the town, led by Lord Vilem of Rozmberk himself, accompanied by his imposing retinue, are very famous. As Vilem was a wealthy and popular lord, every citizen of the town can be seen marching in his procession: noblemen, he^u- tiful ladies, burghers, soldiers, artisans, jugglers and even beggars, all wearing their respective period garments. The traditional climax of the event is a grandiose festive firework, accompanied by music resounding from the southern terrace of Krumlov Chateau.

An Old Bohemian fair is staged to enhance the atmosphere of the event; it features a rich selection of ancient artistic crafts and a feast with a wealth of delicacies served directly in the streets, as is right and proper for such an ancient celebrations. The local pubs and period taverns vie with each other in offering a selection of Old Bohemian meals. Cesky Krumlov has always been generous and hospitable. Even with the best will in the world you will be unable to experience and enjoy everything this beautiful town provides to visitors during the three days of the Cinquefoil Rose Celebrations. You may find that you return there repeatedly.

This year the Cinquefoil Rose Celebrations will take place from June 22 to June 24.