Learn all about Carnival
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| Hello, and welcome to the "Culture Class—Holidays in the Czech Republic" series at CzechClass101.com. In this series, we explore the history and traditions behind Czech holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Lesson 25, Carnival—Masopust. |
| Carnival, which in Moravia is also called Fashang, is the period from mid-January until Ash Wednesday, which usually falls in February. Carnival is the feasting period between two periods of fasting or půst. The inspiration for this holiday was probably the ancient Roman religion that connected the early spring period with fertility deities. |
| Now, before we go into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| What is still traditionally done on the last Thursday of Carnival, called Tučný čtvrtek or Fat Thursday? |
| If you don't already know, you’re about to find out, so stay tuned! |
| One of the highlights of Carnival is the final Thursday, called Fat Thursday. During this day there is a feast where guests eat their fill, especially of meat, before the upcoming fasting. One source of the meat, for example, is from hogs, which are traditionally roasted in Czech villages. Coincidentally, this is also known as a popular time for weddings, or svatby. |
| The real highlights of Carnival are the last three days—the Carnival Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. During this time, excitement builds with each passing day as people go out to celebrate in the streets. Lively crowds gather to observe the popular dances and allegorical parades of masks which take place within this period. |
| The last days of Carnival also include an abundance of food and drink. We’ve already mentioned the tradition of hog roasts, but other meat, alcohol, and all sorts of other delicacies are widely consumed as well. This is because Carnival is immediately followed by Ash Wednesday, the beginning of forty days of strict fasting until Easter. |
| On another note, there are a lot of different sayings associated with Carnival Tuesday. As an example, here is one of them—"Masopust na mrazu - někdo přijde k úrazu." "Carnival frost—somebody will be hurt." |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question— |
| What is still traditionally done on the last Thursday of Carnival, called "Fat Thursday"? |
| The custom, which persists in Czech rural areas, is a pork roast feast, which includes rich party gifts from relatives, friends, and neighbors. |
| Well listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something new? |
| Do you celebrate something similar in your country? |
| Leave a comment telling us on CzechClass101.com, and I’ll see you in the next series! |
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