So, where do we go? More and more Prague citizens go to the store ponds in Lahovice, where Třeboňský carp is being sold (this is a protected trademark registered in the EU), but there are also seven other types of live fish available there. Old Town square also traditionally sells Třeboňský carp and there will be no exception this year. Various department stores will also have large tubs stocked with live fish for sale
As regards prices, these have not changed to much compared with last year but it also depends where you buy your carp as the usual price runs from 75 to almost 90 crowns per kilogram. If it concerns a superior quality fish then it can exceed 90 crowns. If you buy carp outside of Prague you may save a few crowns because in some areas it is available for around 70 crowns.
Do not release it, eat it
A tradition which started after a TV film in the sixties, where a girl and her father release their carp at Christmas time, is from time to time glorified by the media, and this despite the warning by Josef Duben, a spokesman for Státní veterinární správa (State Veterinary Administration), which has been repeated through several Christmas seasons: If you release a carp which you have bought at a department store then you will reliably kill it ,
he advises. The fish does not survive the shock caused by entering the river water. So if you buy a carp, it is better if you eat it. By the way, if you have difficulties with killing your carp, every qualified seller knows how to go about it.
These can be bought also on Christmas Day
Because Christmas Day is an ordinary work day, carp can be bought in Prague in the morning, pond stores in Lahovice are open till 12 p.m. and supermarkets will be open till 4 p.m. The fact is though, regardless whether you grill or fry your carp, it is always better if the meat is allowed to mellow a little.