In many places in the Czech Republic, during the last evening of April, bonfires are lit during the traditional burning of witches. This year’s celebrations will be affected by meteorologists’ warnings about fires, which apply mainly in Bohemia and in parts of South Moravia. According to firefighters, however, people should be careful everywhere when handling an open fire.
For example, in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region, there is a ban on making fires in risky places due to a warning from meteorologists. However, the organizers of large organized events with ensured fire safety and under the supervision of firefighters can light bonfires to a limited extent.
People can celebrate a magical Tuesday evening, for example, in Prague at Ladronka, Kampa or the Yellow Spa, at Špilberk in Brno, at the Pilsen Zoo, during an unconventional tour of Házmburk Castle in the Bohemian Central Mountains and at hundreds of other places throughout the country.
Firefighters warn of unnecessary fires and false alarms due to unreported fires every year before St. Philip’s Night. On the thirtieth of April they have to go out more times than is usual on other days. They are mainly concerned about unreported and unattended fires, which can quickly cause a fire in dry and windy weather.
People or event organizers should report planned fires to the fire department via the application and thereby, among other things, prevent them from going out unnecessarily to suspected fires. Organizers can also ask for the cooperation of local volunteer firefighters when burning mainly large fires.
Firefighters have more work every year when burning witches. Last year, they intervened in less than thirty fires in the whole of the Czech Republic, which were related to this tradition. In 16 cases, it was a false alarm, i.e. unreported burning, said Martin Kavka for the fire department.
Weather plays the biggest role in the increase of fires. If there is a long dry and warm period towards the end of April, which is also the case this year, the risk of fire is much higher than if the soil is soaked with water. Strong winds are also dangerous, blowing hot coals around.
According to ancient tradition, the night from April 30 to May 1 is attributed with magical power. The holiday was originally celebrated on the full moon, which was closest to the sun exactly between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice. Fires were lit on high places to protect against witches.
Until today, only the making of fires has been preserved, sometimes a witch’s figurine or a broom is also burned, and roasting dumplings is popular. At larger events, the program also includes concerts, contests for the best mask, contests in wizarding skills or a gathering of witches. The Celtic spring festival Beltine falls on the same date, in northern Europe the last night of April is called Walpurgis.