The Five-Petalled Rose Festival in Český Krumlov is a municipal historical celebration set in the era of the prominent Bohemian noble family of the Rosenbergs (Rožmberk).
As part of this year’s 38th edition, we travel back to 1586, when Johann Zrinski, son of Eva of Rosenberg and Nikolaus Zrinski of Seryn, celebrates his 20th birthday. After the heroic death of his father during the defence of the fortress of Szigetvár and his mother’s departure to Italy, Johann remained in the care of his devoted uncles, Peter Wok and Wilhelm of Rosenberg. In honour of his twentieth birthday, they prepared a celebration to be remembered.
The programme includes the Tournament of Roses on horseback, held in honour of the Zrinski and Rosenberg families. The highlight of the festivities will be a grand historical costume parade through the town centre, presenting not only Johann Zrinski but also the most prominent members of the Rosenberg family – Wilhelm of Rosenberg and Peter Wok of Rosenberg with their retinues. Noble ladies and gentlemen in period attire, pages, squires, armoured guards, horse riders and heralds bearing the banners of both families will complete the atmosphere.
Visitors can also look forward to music and dance performances, fencing displays, jesters, drummers and theatre. The evening programme will be illuminated by torchlight processions, allegorical rafts on the Vltava River and a festive fireworks display.
Become part of living history. Step back in time with us to an age of Renaissance splendour and chivalric honour, where noble elegance meets unrestrained festivity.
The Five-Petalled Rose Festival is organized by the city of Český Krumlov, the Municipal Theatre of Český Krumlov, the Český Krumlov Development Fund, and the DMO Český Krumlov Region – Destination Management. The event commemorates the glorious history of the town of Český Krumlov and actively involves citizens, ensembles, associations, entrepreneurs, and local institutions, giving it a city-wide character. This popular event attracts approximately 18,000 visitors annually (up to 25,000 before the COVID pandemic).
The festival in numbers:
20,000 visitors over 3 days
500 performers in parades and ceremonies
150 programs and performances
64 ensembles in the accompanying program, 20 of which are from Český Krumlov
100 craft and gastronomy stalls
The next dates of the festival: June 18–20, 2027; June 16–18, 2028; June 22–24, 2029; and June 21–23, 2030.
The Five-Petalled Rose Festival is organized by the City of Český Krumlov, the Český Krumlov Municipal Theatre, the Český Krumlov Development Fund, and the destination management organization DMO Český Krumlov Region.
