Portál Pražana
The Battle of White Mountain to be re-enacted at Vypich
On the 19th and the 20th of September, a spectacular re-enactment of the Battle of White Mountain (Bitva na Bílé hoře), which was fought 400 years ago, will take place in Prague 6, along with an accompanying programme and a historic market. Hundreds of enthusiasts from all over Europe will take part in the event introducing a dramatic episode of Czech history. The reconstruction of the battle, which was a turning point for the Czech lands, is organised by the Bílá hora 1620 association. The re-enactment, which is one of the largest events of its kind in Europe, aims for the highest level of authenticity possible.
Important battle in Czech history
The Battle of White Mountain was an important battle in the early stages of the Thirty Years’ War and in the history of the Czech Republic. It was fought on the 8th of November 1620. An army of 15,000 Bohemians and mercenaries was defeated by 27,000 men from the combined armies of Ferdinand II, the Holy Roman Emperor and the German Catholic League at Bílá Hora (White Mountain) near Prague. The battle only lasted two hours, but it decided the fate of the Bohemian Revolt and changed the Czech state for the following 300 years.
“Although it was short, the Battle of White Mountain was a turning point for the Lands of the Bohemian Crown. Many citizens and soldiers were forced into exile and 27 Czech leaders were executed. Following the battle, Bohemia became a hereditary domain of the Habsburg Empire and remained a part of it for the next 298 years. In the end, the battle led to the horrors of the fully unleashed Thirty Years’ War,” the organisers explain.
Accompanying programme and festive march through Prague
A period market and an accompanying programme for both children and adults will be part of the event. Visitors will enjoy fencing demonstrations, unit training, a commentary on firearms, a juggling show, musical performances, and many other activities. And the battlefield will be full of pyrotechnic effects and cannon fire.
The day before the battle, on Friday the 18th of September, a parade of troops from the Thirty Years’ War will march through Prague. The participants of the battle and their horses will march from ‘Písecká brána’ (Písek Gate) to the Max van der Stoel Park.
For further information, please visit: http://bilahora.eu/en/home/.