Czech Christmas magic: 31 Years of Holiday Fairy Tales
For 31 years, Czech Television has captivated audiences with a unique Christmas tradition: teh premiere of a brand-new, original Czech fairy tale.This annual event has become a cherished part of the holiday season for many Czech families, frequently enough accompanying Christmas Eve dinners and gift-giving.
The tradition began in 1993 with the fairy tale “Sedmero krkavců” (Seven Ravens),directed by Ludvík Ráži,a veteran filmmaker with a prolific career spanning decades. Though, not all adaptations have been universally praised. One online viewer commented, “When I say the title of the fairy tale, a shocking memory of Ivana Chylková ‘murdering a poor girl behind a sheet’ comes to my mind, and then the bloodied hand of that poor woman insensibly flailing from the wooden stretcher. Plus the creepy music. I’m not saying it’s a bad movie, but I definitely wouldn’t play it as a Sunday afternoon fairy tale for my child.”
A Cast of Characters: From Princesses to Devils
Over the years, these televised fairy tales have largely adhered to classic formulas: a virtuous princess, a handsome prince (sometimes a charming commoner), a battle between good and evil, and whimsical characters ranging from senile kings to mischievous devils. The settings often feature iconic Czech castles and chateaux, adding a touch of national heritage to the stories. The costumes, too, frequently enough draw from the extensive archives of Czech Television.
Czech Television’s Christmas programming also includes fairy tales originally produced for the big screen. In 1994, the network aired Zdeněk Troška’s “Princess from the Mill,” featuring a memorable, terrifying portrayal of the devil by yvetta Blanarovičová.The following year, Zdeněk Zelenka’s “The Immortal Aunt,” starring Jiřina Bohdalová, joined the Christmas lineup and remains a holiday staple.
This enduring tradition reflects a deep-seated cultural appreciation for fairy tales and their ability to connect generations during the holiday season. The annual premieres offer a unique blend of classic storytelling and contemporary interpretations, ensuring that the magic of Christmas continues to enchant viewers year after year.
For 31 years, Czech Television has aired a new, original fairy tale every Christmas season.This tradition started in 1993 with “Sedmero krkavců” (Seven Ravens). [1] Czech Television also airs fairy tales originally made for theaters, like “princess from the Mill” in 1994 and “The Immortal Aunt” in 1995. [1]
