Visiting Prague

Statue of Karel Hynek Mácha in Petřín Park

The Statue of Karel Hynek Mácha was erected in honor of Czech romantic poet, poet of love in Petřín Park, Prague. Karel Hynek Macha lived in 19 century, died at the age of 26, quite unexpectedly after a short period of illness. Precise reason of his death is still unknown and now he is buried at the Vyšehrad cemetery. He is best known for his epic beautiful lyrical poem, “Maj” (which is about May 1). This poem is a Czech classic about a tragic love between two young people and every Czech knows at least first few lines of this poem. After this poem became famous Czechs got tradition of celebrating love on the first day in May. On May 1st, couples gather at the statue of Karel Hynek Mácha where they lay flowers and spend a few moments. Karel Hynek Mácha on the monuments represented as a young gentleman, probably because he died in very early age. He holds flowers in his left hand as a source of his inspiration from beauty and nature and a pen with a notebook symbolizing creation romantic rebellion poem. Couples kiss in front of the statue to “poet of love” and they believe the love will be as strong as the stone his statue is made form. Statue is surrounded by Petrin Park, a particularly romantic place in May when its cherry trees are in bloom. May 1st became a national holiday in the Czech Republic and lots of people come to Petřín for a stroll if the weather is nice.

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