Matějská Opens Its Gates (Portal of Prague)

In Prague the Matějská pouť and springtime have been inherently combined for many years. Not even the presence of snow in the parks and on the streets can change this. The fair with a hundred-year tradition, and especially its visitors, young and old, don’t complain about the vagaries of the weather, the main thing is to have fun, and the most famous fair always brings plenty of that.

Matějská pouť, or the first European springtime fair, which traditionally takes place in Prague Exhibition Grounds, this year offers around 120 attractions from the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and other European countries. It will not be without the popular Loch Ness Monster, roller-coaster, carousel and shooting-range, but there will also be something for lovers of adrenalin fun with modern technical equipment.

Games of skill as well as attractions

For the youngest visitors the fair will have chair-o-planes, hydraulic and platform roundabouts, bumper-cars, buggies, mini-motorbikes, bouncy castles and trains. Older visitors will find entertainment in the so-called Dutch Lunapark. New attractions include King Circus, Break Dance and Snou J.E.T., while we already know the 3-level Psycho haunted house, the 50 metre chair-o-plane, the giant water ride, the giant hydraulic roundabout and dozens of other attractions including various games of skill and dexterity.

Many accompanying programmes

An integral part of the fair will be the accompanying programmes, such as performances by clowns and fancy-dress parades. The organisers are also preparing an Open Day for disabled children, who will be able to enjoy the fair’s attractions free of charge on 29th March.

415 years of tradition

Matějská pouť is very popular among Czech and foreign visitors alike, especially for its tradition. The first references to it date from 1595, so this year sees its 415th anniversary. It became famous because it was the first spring fair in Prague, a celebration of St. Matthias’ Day on 24th February. It has been held in the Exhibition grounds since 1963.

To the fair with an umbrella?

According to the organisers, attendance at the fair varies according to the weather. This year the first visitors should bring their umbrellas. Temperatures should resemble springtime, reaching nine degrees Celsius.