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Prague’s traditional Christmas markets are underway for the festive season, offering to those gathered out in the cold the warm aroma and taste of honey liquor, marzipan potatoes, chocolate, and above all, mulled wine.
The Old Town Square is home to the largest market where visitors can browse a plethora of gift ideas, handcrafted decorations, ceramics and culinary products including homemade confectionery.
The smell of coal fills the air, with artisan blacksmith stalls forging keepsakes popular with tourists.
In order to prevent overcrowding during the symbolic illumination of the huge 31-metre Christmas tree, the lights come on at hourly intervals between 5.30pm and 8.30pm to the sound of a melody, ensuring everyone can enjoy the occasion.
Next to the tree are stables with goats, sheep and ponies, offering little ones a chance to feed them.
Near the St Vitus Cathedral within Prague Castle, another market has sprung up, offering an array of goods to eat in another scenic spot of the Czech capital.
Perhaps this year’s star product at the markets is the mulled wine – a true winter warmer amid the low temperatures.
“We use Spanish wine with spices and sugar. We don’t know what kind it is, they send it and we mix it ourselves,” said one of the stall workers at the Old Town Square.
“It’s a secret recipe, even I don’t know it.”
The hot drink is popular and can include cinnamon, cloves and star anise.
“It’s comforting in winter and it smells good. It’s alcoholic, but it doesn’t go to your head.
Barbara, a young woman who has just arrived from London said: “It’s something traditionally Czech that belongs to these markets.
“We have it in London but it’s not as good.”
The Old Town Square market runs until January 6.
Sоurсе: stuff.co.nz
