The Town Bursts into Life with the Grandest Hussite Celebrations in the Czech Republic
The historic area of Tábor, with its charming squares, winding streets, and lush greenery just beyond the city walls, will come alive for three days with the rich history of the early 15th century until the time when the Hussite leader Jan Žižka of Trocnov took command of the town.
This year, the Tabor meetings festival will be held for the 33rd time. Governor Jan Žižka will take control of the city from Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14 2025. The atmosphere in the historic center and its nearby areas will be transformed to reflect the town’s early history, which stemmed from the Hussites’ vision of creating a place where everyone could be equal and live in a brotherly manner. You can expect a lively Marketplace, period camping, Historical alleys, costumed parades, fireworks, and plenty of good music.
At the opening ceremony of the festival on Friday, September 12 in the evening at Žižkov Square, a torchlight parade led by Jan Žižka will begin at 8:45 p.m. Expect to hear drums, the sound of horses’ hooves, calls from the Hussites, and the flicker of lit torches. Though Jan Žižka did not directly found Tábor in 1420, he arrived soon after with his warriors following the notable Battle of Sudoměř and subsequently became one of the town’s four governors. Thus, Jan Žižka took over rule over the town. At 21:30, the “Jan Žižka” ceremony will start at Žižka Square. Professional fencers from Merlet will collaborate with actor Tomas Karger, who will portray a chronicler. The Hussite chant will be sung by Martin Matoušek, a soloist from the North Bohemian Theatre. Performances on stage will interchange with film clips from the works of director Otakar Vávra (including Jan Žižka and Against All Odds), enhanced by light, sound, and fire effects. There will also be surprises, including a message from the statue of Jan Žižka.
On the Market Square, a Medieval Marketplace will be open from 18:00 to 23:00.
Saturday in the Alley of Sins, medieval marketplace and knights’ tournament
Saturday, September 13 will begin with a full schedule starting from the morning hours. The castle grounds of the Great Chance will be transformed into a period camp showcasing historical crafts. Throughout the day, there will be musical performances to enhance the atmosphere. Families with children, particularly those from Holechek orchards, will find it especially appealing as it will be a Children’s paradise.
A traditional highlight of the festival is the festive costumed parade, featuring Jan Žižka, his loyal companions, Hussite supporters, magicians, and captured crusaders. The parade begins on Saturday at 13:10 from T. G. Masaryk Square, proceeding via 9. května Street, náměstí Františka Křižík, Palackého Street, and Pražská Street, arriving at Žižka Square around 13:30.
This Saturday will also introduce the Armory on the Spital Square. Expect the Katovská alley in Křížkov and Radnická Street, and a Medieval Camp showcasing examples of historical crafts at the Great Chance. Dean Street will host the Poor Man’s Alley, while Hospital Square will be the site of a Medieval hospital featuring plague doctors. The festive procession will leave at 13:10 from nám. T. G. Masaryk, following Křižík Street, Palackého Street, and Pražská Street. A notable highlight will be a delegation from the German twin town of Konstanz participating in the parade.
This year’s Saturday evening will be a bit different: due to environmental and legal restrictions, the usual fireworks display over the Jordan River will not take place.
The musical stars for Saturday evening will be Ewa Farna and Janek Ledecký, closing the evening with a videomapping presentation from Quixx, created in 2015 originally to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the burning of Jan Hus. This breathtaking visual narrative will be layered with messages that remain applicable today.
Sunday in the Sign of Prayer for Tabor
On Sunday, the festival will conclude at 2 p.m. in the garden at the Shooting Range with the band Vltava performing.
This year, a new event called Prayer for Tabor will be held on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in the garden of the shooting range house. Tabor Christians are inviting neighbors to join them for an open-air service to pray together for the city. This service will include hymns, reflections on relevant topics, and blessings.
Admission to Tábor meetings
The Tabor meetings will require an admission fee at Žižkov Square, the main venue for the program. Tickets are needed on Friday and Saturday only, and entry on Sunday is free. The City of Tábor emphasizes that most advance ticket sales will be available online this year. Tickets can also be bought in cash or card at a designated kiosk in Křižík Square during the festival days for the prices of 350 CZK for adults and a reduced price of 250 CZK. Admission is free for children under 11, seniors over 65, people with disabilities, residents, and local businesses for entry to the restricted zone free of charge. Tickets purchased from December 1, 2023, to September 14, 2024, will still be valid for the new festival date.
