Get Ready for the Trutnov Dragon Festival!

City Dragon Festival, originally named They’re Carrying It!, will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and is welcoming visitors of all ages. The festival will feature a variety of cultural programs aimed at both children and adults, showcasing traditional crafts and countless attractions that will keep the town lively throughout the day. The main events of the festival will occur at Krakonoš Square. At 9:30 a.m., a parade featuring Trutnov fairies and knights will set off from Komerční banka toward Krakonoš Square, where the festivities will officially commence at 10:00 a.m.

The festival agenda includes musical and theatrical performances, art and craft workshops, games and activities specifically designed for children, markets, exhibitions, and various installations. The highlight of the day will be a vibrant night parade with a dragon, which will be suspended from the tower of the Old Town Hall at the end of the event.

Saturday’s Main Program

The heart of the entire festival will be the stage on Krakonoš Square, where the historical dances of the ensemble Villanella will alternatingly perform throughout the day alongside meditative electronic music from Omniona, medieval-style music performed by the band Melissa, and an evening performance by Majer’s Brakeboards—a band that evokes both the warm sands and the gentle whispers of the forest.

At the second stage along Hradební Street, various musical groups like Peregrin, Grail, the folklore ensemble Zhor, and singer-songwriter Pepa Labus will showcase their talents, with Labus returning to his hometown with an acoustic suitcase filled with heartfelt songs.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the chance to enjoy street performances by HuSo, NaŽďár, Marta, and Rasputin. Additionally, the Trutnov crowd will definitely be intrigued by the performance of the group For two two, whose unique and intuitive instruments revive something long forgotten within the audience. For those seeking an extraordinary theatrical experience, a visit to Úpské nábřeží is recommended, where the Líšeň Theatre is presenting a poetic performance titled “Havětiště“—a site-specific project featuring natural puppets.

The atmosphere of the day will be steeped in interaction and playfulness. Various spots around the city will host activities like a day-long game called “Landscape of Luxembourg,” archery contests, medieval style fencing, art workshops, and a hobbyhorsing tournament at the sokolovna. Visitors of all ages can enjoy constructing a model of Trutnov using painted houses, maneuver through a ball track, or trade treasures at a children’s flea market.

They’ll Carry Him Tonight!

The enchanting theme of the fairy Melusina will weave throughout the day’s events, culminating in the evening procession “They’re Bringing It!”. Starting at 8:30 p.m., participants will gather at the cinema donning their kutnas and carrying torches, embarking on a mystical path through the city to Krakonoš Square, where the celebration will conclude at 9:30 p.m. with the release of a kite from the tower of the Old Town Hall.

This magical evening parade through the city center will feature the dragon, a symbol of Trutnov, being carried along. The parade will kick off from the parking lot behind the cinema, located beneath Dragon Alley, following a familiar route to Krakonoš Square, where the “monster” will be raised up on the town hall tower. Bring along your bells, whistles, drums, horns, and other noise-makers to join in calling out “They’re Carrying Him!” followed by “They’re Hanging!”. The night will close with Omnion’s multimedia composition—an artistic ritual that blends ancient myths with the electronic wonders of today.

How the Dragon Became Part of the Trutnov Emblem

The history of the dragon in Trutnov dates back to the year 1006, at the site of what is now Dragon Lane. In this location, the villagers of the newly formed settlement of Trutnov, led by Mr. Albrecht of Trautenberk, triumphed over a fierce dragon. This dragon has since featured prominently on the town seals and is a vital component of the Trutnov emblem. Due to this legendary status, Trutnov has historically been referred to as The Dragon City.

Even today, the dragon can be spotted in various parts of Trutnov, especially from May to September, for instance, elegantly hanging from the tower of the Old Town Hall. Each year, in honor of this unique story from Trutnov’s legends, the dragon is hoisted up during the evening climax of these original town dragon festivities. It remains in place until September, when there will be a ceremonial taking down that includes a rich accompanying program.

Trutnov Dragon Festival

Celebrate the legendary tale of Trutnov’s founding at the traditional Dragon Festival, where local myths come alive through a vibrant blend of culture, history, and community spirit.

2025 Theme

This year’s festivities center on the enchanting fairy Melusina, weaving her story into the dragon-slaying legend that gave birth to Trutnov—once famously known as “Dragon Town.”

When & Where

Held every year in early May, the main events take place at Krakonoš Square. Evening ceremonies culminate in a spectacular night parade, with the dragon elevated from the Old Town Hall tower.

Festival Highlights

• Cultural showcases and live musical performances

• Demonstrations of traditional crafts and theatrical acts

• Artisan markets, exhibitions, and family-friendly attractions

• Evening parade featuring the town dragon suspended from the Old Town Hall tower

Legend & Traditions

The dragon motif appears on Trutnov’s town seals and emblem. Each festival night, the dragon is raised up the tower—where it remains on display until September—as a living reminder of the town’s mythical origins.

Enjoy a magical celebration of folklore, artistry, and community—immerse yourself in the Trutnov Dragon Festival and help keep this storied legend alive!