The peak day of the year is behind us – and the shortest night, summer has begun. Every year Prague opens the summer season by presenting the mystery show on the Charles Bridge with the spectacle of the light of the setting sun (I wrote more about it a year ago on the blog: http://ewadarda.com/en/summer-solistice-mystery/ ). It is a time favorable for outdoor events, trips and, in general, pleasures.
Walking around Kampa yesterday, I suddenly heard the sounds of chamber music, live, and following my hearing, I reached the main Kampa square, where a surprise was waiting for me (and for all walking by visitors). And what a surprise it was! Right in front of the stairs leading to the Charles Bridge, there was a mixed choir, a conductor and several musicians accompanying to… Christmas carols! Yes, Christmas carols in June, for Midsummer! Some of the participants wore Christmas hats, some of them reindeer horns – and so they were cheerfully singing Baroque and traditional Czech carols. I mean it, many passers-by can testify, I did not get insane! Many also joined the singers! I guess Prague will never cease to surprise me!
Traditionally, every year on 23rd or 24th December, Christmas carols are sung here for several decades already. Literally crowds come to take part. As we know, last December was different than usual, there were many constraints related to the pandemic, and it is difficult to predict what the situation will be this year. So the singing association decided to celebrate Half Christmas in the middle of the year! After all, who will forbid us to rejoice for any reason, any day, in this city of magic? 😊 Veselé půl-Vánoce!
And you, how are you celebrating summer this year? 😉
