Ancient Czech winter ritual reimagined as political protest on Charles Bridge

Around a hundred people, including families with children, marched through the center of Prague on Sunday to revive the folk tradition of drowning Morana. However, this year’s ritual carried a sharp political edge, as participants rebranded the effigy "Motorana" to protest against the current governing coalition of ANO, SPD, and the Motorists (Motoristé).

The procession, organized by the FÓR_UM initiative, began at Mariánské náměstí and wound its way through Platnéřská Street and Old Town Square. While the tradition usually symbolizes the end of winter and the arrival of spring, organizers adapted the custom to highlight what they describe as a "harsh political winter" brought about by the ruling parties.

"We used to bring out Morana every year at the end of winter. But times have changed and traditions need to be adapted," the organizers stated in their public invitation.

The cardboard effigy of Motorana was constructed from gray parts resembling engines and exhaust pipes, a direct nod to the Motorists party. Participants carried banners with slogans such as "Arrogance is lit red" and "Whoever cuts culture helps propaganda."

Accompanied by the sound of drums and trumpets, the parade drew significant attention from tourists as it moved toward the Vltava River.

The FÓR_UM initiative specifically criticized the government’s plan to cut cultural support by CZK 336.8 million. They also voiced concerns over the independence of public service media, following the cabinet’s intent to abolish concession fees for Czech Television and Czech Radio in favor of a state-budget financing model.

"The independence of Czech Television and Czech Radio is threatened by the transfer of funding to the state budget," the organizers claimed, adding that the government's "new regulation" of non-governmental organizations and its retreat from the European Green Deal posed a risk to the environment and civil society.

The current cabinet has defended its policies as necessary revisions of previous environmental commitments and a modernization of media funding. After reaching the river, the participants lit the figure on fire and threw it into the water from Charles Bridge.

FÓR_UM has a long history of blending art with activism in the capital. Since 2012, the group has organized the "Velvet Celebration" every Nov. 17 to promote civic participation through workshops, debates, and public art.