It has become a tradition that Scouts take the Bethlehem Light to all corners of the Czech Republic by train. “They consider the Bethlehem Light a symbol of peace and friendship and I’m glad that we can bring it to people and to their homes at Christmastime,” said the chairman of Scouts, Josef Výprachtický.
Historical tram brings light
Saturday 19th December is a very significant day because Scouts will be travelling by historical tram delivering the Light to various parts of the city. The tram will set off at 1 p.m. from its terminal station on Výstavište (Exhibition Grounds), make its way through the centre all the way to Smíchov Train Station to terminate at Prague Castle at 6.30 p.m. A detailed schedule is available here (Only in Czech).
Light not only in library
As in previous years, the Bethlehem Light can be obtained in Prague Municipal Library, namely in the main building on Mariánské Square. You can obtain your light in the library hall on Tuesday, 22nd December and Wednesday 23rd December during opening hours. Other than that you can get it in the Czech Radio building in Vinohradská Street and in Senovážné Square 24 (until Christmas Eve), in St Cyril and Method Church in Karlín. Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren will keep the flame in the hall in Korunní Street, but only up to 20th December. One day before Christmas Eve you will be able to find it also in Písecká Gate.
The tradition of carrying the flame was established in neighbouring Austria in 1986, when Austrian Radio’s employees came with the idea of Light in Dark collection to help the visually impaired in Linz. The idea was adopted by local Scouts who decided to bring the Light all the way from Bethlehem. Over the course of following years, Vienna saw dozens of Scout organisations coming to Vienna from all over Europe. Scouts from Brno have been lighting up annually since 1989, when the Bethlehem Light shone for the first time by the sculpture of St Wenceslas on Wenceslas Square.
