Zvuky Prahy / Sounds of Prague

Celebration of St.Nicholas Day for children with Nicholas, angel and two hairy devils in the rocks of the grotto in Havlíček park in Vinohrady. The tradition of St. Nicholas falls on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, December 5th. St. Nicholas, the Ange represents the Good, and the Devil (čert) representing the Evil. Mikuláš resembles Santa Claus whose origin was supposedly inspired by St. Nicholas. All three characters walk the streets, stopping children and asking them if they were good in the past year. Most kids say yes and sing a song or recite a short poem. They are then rewarded with sweets, candy or other treats, which are handed out by the Angel. Bad kids would be put in the Devil's sack and taken to hell, or would only get a sack of potatoes or coal instead of candy.