Know Your Czech Traditions: Three Kings Day Parade

It’s also the time when Czechs take down their trees, pack up the decorations, and visit the Christmas markets for the last time.

The Meaning of K + M + B

Following the visit, the letters K + M + B are chalked onto the doors of visited homes – the initials stand for the names of the wise men Kašpar, Melichar, and Baltazar or the Latin saying Christus mansionem benedicat (“May Jesus Christ bless this house”), with the crosses representing the Holy Trinity.

An Ancient Re-Enactment In Prague

In Prague, the occasion is marked by a festive annual processional led by costumed kings on camels, who are accompanied by drummers and trumpeters.

Visitors can make a donation during the event to disadvantaged families—books, toys, games, or school equipment are welcome, according to Czech Catholic Charity which organizes the event.

Trigger alert: While many countries across Europe, including Madrid, have decided that the playing of Balthazar by a white man in blackface is inappropriate, Czechs still typically adhere to the custom.

Take an Icy Epiphany Plunge in the Vltava

Another Prague event taking place during the Three Kings period is an icy swim in the Vltava River, an annual tradition organized by the Charles Bridge Museum and Prague Venice—take the plunge and get free admission to the museum. This year the event takes place on January 6 and will see a trio of kings lead a crew of brave swimmers into arctic waters.

Lead photo: Flickr / Igracek