Cultural and Social Events Pivovar Dalešice Karlovy Vary Jazzfest The tradition of the Karlovy Vary international jazz festival, known as “Jazzfest Karlovy Vary”, goes back to 2001. Nowadays, Jazzfest Karlovy Vary is artistically one of the most important cultural events of the Region of Karlovy Vary and also one of the most popular jazz festivals in the Czech Republic. It is held annually in October. The individual concerts take place at several locations in Karlovy Vary and Sokolov. A number of various workshops, including jazz workshops, play an important part of the festival. Wallenstein Festival in Cheb The modern-day Wallenstein Festival has been regularly held in Cheb since 2005. The original tradition, however, dates much further back. Celebrations commemorating the frequent stays of the Duke Albrecht von Wallenstein (Czech: Albrecht z Valdštejna) and his murder, which had taken place in one of the burgher houses in the town square, were first held by the inhabitants of Cheb in the early 20th century. The present-day festival takes place every 2 year (every odd year) and it has become very popular among the town inhabitants, as well as tourists. The festival programme, which is truly abundant, will certainly amuse everyone as it features re-enactments of Wallenstein's stays in the town, parades, a historical fair in the town square, and many other cultural events. Chopin's Festival Mariánské Lázně Traditional Fryderyk Chopin Festival in the town of Mariánské Lázně is organized by the Fryderyk Chopin Society. The eminent Czech and world’s interpreters appear during this festival and introduce compositions not only by Fryderyk Chopin, but also by other famous composers. During the festival it is also possible to attend some additional events, such as exhibitions, sport events etc., or you can visit the Chopin House with a permanent exhibition devoted to Fryderyk Chopin – to his life and stay in the picturesque Western Bohemian spa town of Mariánské Lázně. Karlovy Vary International Film Festival The grandest and most significant event held in the Region of Karlovy Vary is the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. At the beginning of July, the festival turns the city of Karlovy Vary into a Mecca of film enthusiasts, journalists, and VIP personages. The festival enriches the course of events in Karlovy Vary by inviting notable representatives of traditional folk culture from both inland and abroad to take part in it. During the past years folklore ensembles from 23 countries of 5 continents performed in the spa town. More than 40 ensembles came from Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia, many of them even on repeated occasions. During the festival the audience can choose from many performances on various scenes in the town and its surroundings. However, an absolutely unique programme, in which the majority of the participating ensembles take part, is the Gala-Programme taking place in the Large Hall of the Spa Hotel Thermal every year. FIJO – International Festival of Youth Wind Orchestras Since 1970 the town of Cheb has been an organizer of the INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH WIND ORCHESTRAS – FIJO, (le Festival Internacional des Jeunes Orchestres Instruments á vent). Mr. Václav Kučera, music lover, conductor and founder of the youth wind orchestra in Cheb, teacher at the Cheb´s music school, was at the birth of this festival. The idea of founding the wind music festival was supported by famous personalities of the Czech music world, wind orchestra’s conductors and music composers - Jindřich Praveček, Karel Vacek, Jaromír Vejvoda, Václav Poncar. Since the first year of the festival 378 orchestras and majorettes´ groups from 32 countries of Europe and Asia have taken part in the festival. The town of Cheb regaled 21 426 festival participants. The festival is run biannually. The program includes two music pieces performed by all orchestras together. The music composition “Flags Flaunt” by Jindřich Praveček became the symbolic anthem of the festival. The festival is held regularly every even year at the turn of June and July. “Chebské dvorky” – Regional Art Project Festival Every year in early June, the quiet corners, narrow lanes and other picturesque places in the town of Cheb become filled with art. Various events, among which everyone will find "the one", take place at more than 20 locations in the centre of the town. Visitors may admire exhibitions of paintings, photographs, or sculptures by leading artists. They may enjoy music concerts of different genres, take part in a variety of artistic and other workshops, or watch numerous screenings and theatre performances. The festival also offers a special programme for children. Karlovy Vary Food Festival The Food Festival is a one-week display of first-class gastronomy, which is hosted by Karlovy Vary every year in May as a part of the opening of the spa season. In the very centre of the city, visitors may taste specialties prepared by teams of chefs from renowned restaurants mostly from the Region of Karlovy Vary and help select the winning team. The festival is accompanied by an eventful cultural programme for both adults and children. Karlovy Vary Tourfilm Tourfilm is the oldest tourism film festival in the world. Year after year, it recognizes the best commercials, films, internet and other multimedia presentations encouraging people to travel. The festival also plays host to the national Tour Region Film and Tourmap - an international show of cartography along with a contest of tourist maps, atlases and tourist guides. Opening of the Spa Season in Karlovy Vary The popular event, which takes place in May every year, officially launches the spa season in Karlovy Vary. The celebrations include a parade through the city headed by the founder of the spa, King Charles IV, on his horse, the blessing of the mineral springs, a crafts market, as well as various concerts, cultural performances, and social events. The accompanying programme and events are held throughout the city, e.g. at T. G. Masaryk Avenue, in front of the main post office and the Thermal Hotel, on the Mill Colonnade, at the Little Versailles Park, at Grandhotel Pupp etc. Karlovy Vary Folklore Festival Every year, dozens of folklore music and dance ensembles from all over the world come to Karlovy Vary. The festival offers a large variety of performances that take place at different stages throughout the city and its surroundings. Nevertheless, the annual highlight of the festival still remains the one-of-a-kind “Galaprogram”, during which most of the participating ensembles perform before the audience at the Great Hall of the Thermal. i map menu www