The Five-Petalled Rose Festival in Český Krumlov is a municipal historical celebration set in the era of the noble Rosenberg family (Rožmberk), primarily during the rule of the last Rosenbergs, Wilhelm von Rosenberg (Vilém z Rožmberka) and Peter Wok (Petr Vok).
The themes of individual years are based on significant anniversaries of the town of Český Krumlov and specific historical events associated with the Rosenberg family and the town itself. In 2025, the main topics include two anniversaries and one event: the 490th anniversary of the birth of Wilhelm von Rosenberg (1535), the 35th anniversary of the revival of the tradition of the Five-Petalled Rose Festival (1990), and the unification of Latrán and the Old Town into a single entity in 1555. This act, carried out by Wilhelm von Rosenberg, shaped the town of Český Krumlov into the form we know today. This historical event will be re-enacted through a live chess performance in the castle gardens.
The highlights of the 2025 program include seven historical parades held both during the day and at night, a historical craft market in the first courtyard of the castle featuring stalls with period goods and demonstrations of traditional crafts, a live chess performance in front of the revolving auditorium, a historical dance hall in the Brewery Garden, a falconry courtyard with an exhibition of birds of prey, a historical military camp in the Municipal Park, folk festivities in the tavern "At Peter Wok's," and a festive fireworks display on the castle terraces. This year will also include numerous concerts, performances of fencing, dancing, theatre, and juggling, as well as fire and flag shows, historical games and workshops, and wine tastings in the gardens.
The next dates of the festival: June 19–21, 2026; 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 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:
18,000 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 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.
