the lighter side

Last Thursday night, K came to inform us that there would be a special event on the next day, and we might be interested to see it.

During his reign, every year Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, would have the imperial coronation jewels transported to Prague to be viewed by pilgrims all over Europe, then to be brought back for safe-keeping at the Karlstejn Castle. Friday’s celebration would then be the re-enactment of this royal procession of the Holy Roman Empire crown jewels from Prague to the Karstejn Castle. There would be around 200 persons in costumes of old, at the time of Charles IV.

The re-enactment of the ceremonial procession of the Emperor’s court led by Emperor Charles IV and his wife Elisabeth would set off from Prague Castle, cross the Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square. There would be a program there where the Emperor would deliver a speech to the people. This is a historical commemoration which Praguers celebrate annually, and to which tourists are attracted.

We were so thankful for the information, though we were just sorry that hubby was not feeling well, and with M having office, it would be difficult for Dy to be bringing the baby by public transport, with the unpredictable weather at that. So we were resigned to the fact that not one could go.

I felt it would be so unfortunate for me not to see it when I’m already here in Prague, and it’s not always that one has a chance to watch such celebrations. Before retiring that evening then, I asked M to find out if his dad had already arrangements with any one to watch the procession, and wouldn’t he mind if I’d go with them. That’s what M did early the next morning, and praise God, K was willing to accompany me, he was free for the day!

His car was parked near the station (parking would be a problem at the center especially with a celebration like this), and off we went: by train, which changed stations and run through the subway. Yeah, I have gone through the subway!

I’m so happy to have taken these pics, as neophyte that I am in this, at least I was able to take shots of these carriages which would just pass by in front of me, so fast! And I’m “proud” to have positioned myself ( oh how I’ve “wriggled” myself into the crowd!) at a point that I could take shots.

At the Old Town Square, while waiting for the procession to arrive, dancers and clowns are entertaining the crowd; on the stage, music is furnished by musicians with instruments of long ago. The grandeur of the St. Nicholas Church in the background stands out. (At first, I was at the side of the stage; not a good location)

The crowd waiting for the Emperor to arrive. On the right, the beauty of the spires of Our Lady Before Tyn beacons even from a distance

Guards milling around the crowd while the procession has not yet arrived

Left pic: The Emperor Charles IV giving a speech to the people; Right: the other members of the court; The Old Town Hall serves aptly as the backdrop of the whole affair; note the two dancers up in the windows

Part of those participating in the procession, riding on carriages

Right: This must be the Crown Jewels under the canopy?

And behold the Holy Imperial Cross!

Right: On our way home, taking the escalator in the subway; went one more way down, the reason why I was alone (just for the photo?) and I had to go back up…much thanks to my escort who obliged to take the pic!

(Note: Click once on the photo, you’ll see the medium size; then click “all sizes” to view the large size)

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