NAPLAVKA CELEBRATES SEVENTEEN YEARS
For the very first time, a farmer's market took place on Rašín's waterfront 17 years ago. Few believed back then that the waterfront could be revitalized. “Attempts to hold markets on Rašín's waterfront had occurred in the past, but they failed. At the very beginning, even farmers hesitated; sometimes we had to convince them. From 28 vendors at the first market on the waterfront, the market gradually grew to a regular 90 to 100 stalls, offering agricultural products every Saturday from February to December between 8 AM and 2 PM. This year, they will offer their goods to customers on the right bank of the Vltava for the first time on January 31. There will be honest farm products and handmade treats – for example, fresh bread, cheeses and dairy products, meats, honeys, and jams. Meat, fish, eggs, flowers, handicrafts, and much more will also be available for purchase,” described Alena Bžochová, the market manager.
From the very beginning, the organizers aimed to create not only a place with quality farm products but also a space for neighborhood gatherings. Live music has always been part of the farmer's market at Rašín's waterfront, featuring both amateur street performers and professional musicians. In addition to the farmer's markets, regular events are held at the waterfront. “This year, we are preparing a number of thematic events. Planned for May 16 is the traditional spring event Růžový máj – a celebration of rosé wines and clarets, on June 19 and 20, Pivo na Náplavce – a festival of small and mini Czech breweries will take place, and finally, in mid-November, the very popular Svatomartinské celebrations and roasted goose,” introduced this year's events of the Náplavka farmer's market Jiří Sedláček, the chairman of the Archetyp association that founded and operates the Náplavka farmer's market.
NEIGHBORHOOD KUBÁŇ
The beautiful central location in Prague 10, in a park right by the tram station, transforms into a neighborhood market several times a week. “In this season, which will start on Kubáň on February 7, we will strive to expand the market's offerings. We will kick off the first market of the year with a neighborhood grilling of quality sausages over an open fire. We will lend grilling wires to customers on-site, and we will provide sausages, bread, mustard, and ketchup. Fresh milk, yogurts, meats, and bakers will be available at Kubáň, along with a fish grill and much more. On the following Saturday, February 14, we will have Small Masopust Feasts. In winter, the markets will only be held on Saturdays, then they will operate regularly, which the Vršiči are accustomed to – that is, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays,” said Jiří Sedláček.
FAMILY HEŘMAŇÁK
The first partially zero-waste farmer's market in the Czech Republic took place on September 9, 2017, at Řezáč Square in Prague 7. It is a small square with old, tall ash trees, which locals still call Heřmaňák after the street Heřmanova, to which it is adjacent. In addition to a rich selection of farm foods, the market also offers the possibility to buy flowers, and favorable weather allows for workshops for children and parents. “The market at Řezáč Square is not large, but it has a magical atmosphere and prides itself on the quality of all vendors, among whom you will find organic farms. Every Saturday, up to 25 farmers regularly offer their products here. We save nature, and bringing your own containers and boxes to the market is welcome. Visitors can also bring eggshells or dry bread for farms with free-range chickens. Unlike markets in the center, Heřmaňák is a cozy market for locals, where friends, families with children, and neighbors often meet. Just like in Kubáň, the Small Masopust Feasts will also take place at Heřmaňák on February 14,” said Šárka Sedláčková, the organizer of the Heřmaňák farmer's market.
