WATCH: Prague Castle dinner party takes place around a giant heart-shaped table

Monday evening saw Praguers gather outside of the city’s historic St. Vitus cathedral on the grounds of Prague Castle for a neighborhood party with a special guest of honor: Czech President Petr Pavel. 

Pavel joined participants around the white tablecloth-clad community seating, arranged in the shape of a heart as a symbol of eternal connection, organized by the Piána na ulica (Pianos in the street) initiative. The president appeared at the event shortly after 6 p.m., sampling the food and drinks offered by guests, chatting with people, and posing for photos.

A similar event was held three years ago on the Charles Bridge, at that time meant to symbolically signify the end of the Covid era and show the revival of the historical center of Prague. Yesterday’s dinner party was meant to symbolize the new openness of Prague Castle under Pavel as the new president.

The long table itself was intended to serve as a reminder of the ancient symbolism of a table gathering, where important contracts were signed, families and friends came together, and significant life events took place.

"We want the table around the cathedral to be seen as a symbol of togetherness. All people don't always have to agree with each other, but that doesn't stop us from sitting around a common table," Ondřej Kobza, the founder of the Piána na ulica association, said in a news release. The organization shared videos and photos of the event on its social networks.