SPIRIT April 2014 Mamaison Hotels and Residences | Page 22

Ostrava is usually considered a laid back family retreat,
despite its lively nightlife, and lovely countryside, which
opens a world of possibilities for active travelers. Mostly
known for its superb professional golf courses, Ostrava
has all the conditions for year-round active holidays. Like
many Czech cities, it is also a cradle of culture, counting
numerous festivals for all ages on the yearly agenda.

Ostrava for
Active Travellers

Photo: Fotolia

First, visit the historic Silesian Ostrava Castle
(Slezskoostravský hrad), which will host several events all year round, starting with an
“Easter at the Castle” festival on April 12-13.
This fest is both an occasion to learn about
local Easter traditions, and to have fun with
your family, participating in the Easter egg
hunt, among other contests. For souvenir
hunters, the festival offers a unique occasion
to find authentic arts and crafts by local artisans. You get to celebrate with local foods,
music and dance, and you may even learn
how to decorate an Easter egg like the locals
if you want.
Walpurgis Night
Wizards, witches, and warlocks, prepare their
brooms, as on April 30, the castle is open
for an ancient festival: the Walpurgis Night
(Pálení čarodějnic). All the usual actors will
be there, as the nighttime gets lit by tradi-

22

tional bonfires. You can participate in games
and competitions, dance to Irish music performed live by an Irish band, enjoy witchcraft
demonstrations and stories, and enjoy a fire
show designed to chase the evil away. During
this the 10th anniversary since reopening, the
Silesian Ostrava Castle will celebrate its legacy on May 17 and 18, with knights in shining
armors, maids and ladies-in-waiting, plus a
whole lineup of royal figures, reenacting the
castle’s rich history. There will be live music,
jousting, contests, good food, and fun activities for all ages.
Location: Hradní 1, 710 00 Slezská Ostrava
Phone: [phone]
Beyond the walls of the Silesian Ostrava
Castle, active travelers may partake in a variety of sports, including both recreational,
and extreme.