Seven Must-See Events Featuring Spectacular Historical Parades: Discover Where You Can Strut Your Stuff in Period Costume!

Barchan Festival in Jemnice

This festival, known as Barchan in Jemnice, is one of the oldest historical events in Central Europe. It will be celebrated from 13 to 16 June 2025. The festival typically features a market for folk crafts, various amusement rides, lively town events, and a historic tavern. There will also be a parade through the streets and a spectacular fire show. Legend has it that in 1312, King John of Luxembourg had to fight off invading knights, leaving his wife, Eliška Přemyslovna, in the well-protected town of Jemnice. He sent four messengers to inform her of his victory. Without anything special to reward them, the queen instead gave what she had: the first received an embroidered breastplate, the second a scarf, the third stockings, and the fourth a wreath.

This year, the Barchan will start on Friday evening with a festive parade of the townsfolk and the raising of the Barchanic and town banners at the town hall. On Saturday morning, the event will kick off with drummers and trumpeters parading through the town. A special scene will be set up in front of the castle to welcome the royal couple. King John of Luxembourg and his team will enter Jemnice, handing over his new bride to the care of the town’s residents before leaving to confront the marauding knights. Later in the afternoon, there’s the traditional Run for the Barchan, where messengers race to touch the barchanic banner at the finish line. The highlight of the festival occurs in front of the castle, where the queen rewards the messengers with traditional “gifts,” according to legend.

To Krumlov for the Five-Leaved Rose Festival

From 20 to 22 June 2025, Český Krumlov will come alive with the history of the last Lords of Rožmberk during the Five-leaved Rose Festival. This year, the festival will celebrate two significant anniversaries and one historic event: the 490th Anniversary of the birth of William of Rosenberg (1535), the 35th Anniversary of the revival of the Five-Leaved Rose Festival (1990), and the joining of Latran and the old town in 1555, which shaped Český Krumlov into the town we admire today. Highlighted will be a performance of live chess in the castle garden. The festival will bring together actors, musicians, swordsmen, jugglers, and other entertainers from across Europe. Expect over 100 stalls showcasing historical crafts and food, more than 500 performers in the parades, and nearly 150 performances spread across ten stages in the historic town center. Major attractions will include the Historic Market at the castle and in Široká Street, special child-friendly events in the monasteries, a military camp in the City Park, and historical parades, including one featuring fire. Additionally, there will be a historical dance hall in the Brewery Garden, a falconry exhibit showcasing birds of prey, and folk festivities at the Pub at Petrova Vok.

If you arrive dressed in historical costume, you will have free entry. Costumes can be borrowed from the city theatre or you may bring your own. However, both the borrowed and personal costumes must be approved by the head costume designer. You must also take part in the main Saturday parade to gain free entry. This parade will start at 15:00, traveling through the streets from Horní – náměstí Svornosti – Na Louži – Široká – Dlouhá – Latrán – Pivovarská. At 18:00, enjoy a knightly tournament on horseback in the brewery gardens, and at 21:45, look forward to the fire parade that will illuminate the streets with a fire ceremony in the brewery garden that follows the same route.

Royal Silvering in Kutná Hora

On the days 21 and 22 June 2025 the gates of Kutná Hora will open to its rich history during the period of its greatest prestige as a royal town. Visitors will be welcomed by King Wenceslas IV along with his wife Sophie and the royal court… The proud and affluent miners prepare for the King’s arrival with The Royal Silvering fair, lighting midsummer bonfires and kicking off folk festivities to honor their beloved monarch. Expect thrilling knightly jousts, horse riding competitions, medieval dances both folk and courtly, live period music, and demonstrations of medieval crafts where you can even make a candle or mint your own coins. Don’t miss the lively marketplace, Royal Falconer’s Falconry, archery competitions, evening court festivities, the Silver Sunday Mass, and several parades featuring horsemen (Štvanec) through the historical city center. Come greet the King with the proud miners, experience exciting jousts, and enjoy beautiful music along with dance!

Golden Salt Trail Festival

If you’re looking to join in on a historical parade, the Golden Salt Trail Festival in Prachatice on 27-28 June 2025 is a great opportunity. You can rent historical costumes on June 25 from 9:00 to 11:00 and from 12:00 to 17:00 at the KIS Prachatice building (Horní 170). This traditional Renaissance Town Festival celebrates the significance of an ancient trade route for the town. The city center will be bustling with costumed parades, Renaissance music, theatrical performances, sword demonstrations, and juggling acts. You’ll see foreign groups from sister cities as well as popular music bands. The festivities will take place in four different zones, each featuring unique thematic programs. The Big Square will host a music festival with well-known performers, while Parkán Park will feature Renaissance tunes, a historical marketplace, and soumar lying. In Štěpánčin Park, get ready for folk and brass music, while children can enjoy activities in Hospice Park.

Pernštejn Manor Festival

The traditional Pernštejn Manor Festival will take place, as is customary, right before the holiday season, on 27-28 June 2025. The castle will be filled with activities recalling its glorious past. Expect knights, swordsmen, jugglers, musicians, falconers, and theatrical performers all around, trying to entertain you amidst a historical market fair offering plenty of delicious food. You can also relax in a terrace café above the restored garden. In previous years, the festival has featured exciting warhorse training, jousting tournaments, falconry displays, and sword fighting. We hope this year’s festivities will be just as thrilling.

Celebration of Jakub Krčín in Třeboň

If you enjoy historical celebrations, costumes, and performances, don’t miss the Historical Festivities of Jakub Krčín happening on 18 and 19 July 2025 in Třeboň. For over 20 years, this annual festival has honored the town’s peak historical era and its connection to important fishermen and the Rosenberg family. As the festival’s motto declares: “Just for one remarkable night and one special day, Jakub Krčín, the celebrated fishmonger, is freed from the depths, making these festivities truly extraordinary.” Anticipate musical performances, a historical program (including fencing displays), a vibrant parade, and engaging activities for children filled with performances and games.

The Feast of Zacharias of Hradec