Maturita 2026

Vzhled

Festivals ​

1. Religious Festivals ​

  • Twelfth Night (January 5th/6th): This marks the end of the Christmas season in the UK. Tradition says you must take down your Christmas decorations by this day, otherwise, it brings bad luck. In Czechia, we know it as the Three Kings' Day.

  • Christmas Comparison: * UK/USA: They celebrate mainly on December 25th (Christmas Day). Children open presents in the morning, which are brought by Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) through the chimney.

    • Czechia: We celebrate on the evening of December 24th (Christmas Eve). Presents are brought by "Baby Jesus" and we eat fried carp with potato salad instead of roast turkey.

  • Easter Comparison:

    • UK/USA: Focuses on the "Easter Bunny" hiding chocolate eggs for children to find (Easter Egg Hunt).

    • Czechia: We have the pagan tradition of whipping girls with willow branches for youth and health, and boys get painted eggs or sometimes alcohol.

2. Political and Historical Festivals ​

  • Thanksgiving Day (USA): Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

    • The Story: It goes back to 1620 when the Pilgrim Fathers arrived in America on a ship called the Mayflower. They survived the first brutal winter only because the Native Americans taught them how to grow corn and catch fish. The festival is a massive harvest feast to give thanks.

    • Tradition: Families gather and eat roast turkey with cranberry sauce.

  • Czech Political Holidays: We focus more on modern state history, such as November 17th (Struggle for Freedom and Democracy) or October 28th (Foundation of the independent Czechoslovak State).

  • UK Equivalent: Guy Fawkes Night / Bonfire Night (November 5th): They celebrate the failure of a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605 by lighting bonfires and fireworks.

3. Social and Cultural Festivals ​

  • New Year’s Day (January 1st): This is universal. Both cultures celebrate midnight with fireworks, champagne, and by making "New Year's resolutions" (promises to improve yourself, like going to the gym or quitting smoking).

  • Halloween (October 31st) vs. All Souls' Day:

    • USA/UK: A huge social event. Children dress up in scary costumes, carve pumpkins (Jack-o'-lanterns), and go "trick-or-treating" around the neighbourhood for sweets.

    • Czechia: We observe a much quieter, respectful holiday in early November (All Souls' Day / Dušičky), where we visit cemeteries and light candles for dead relatives.