The Masopust – The Czech Mardi Gras

About 50 people gather together to celebrate their first Masopust – Mardi Gras in the village of Zbuzany. Previously, they had to go to nearby villages or to Prague. Children with help of their parents made their own masks and costumes as well as their parents made their costumes with help of their children. Mardi Gras or “Carnival” is celebrated in many parts of the world. In the Czech Republic people celebrate a season of merrymaking and masquerading called Masopust, literally meaning “good-bye to meat.” Each village has its own version of the celebration. Though, the basics are similar: masks, costumes, dance and processions. What’s more, like many Christian festivals, though, Masopust incorporates elements of much older traditions, involving fertility rites and celebrating the coming of spring.