Angels, devil and Mikuláš visit children in hospital ward

Some 17 children at a hospital ward in Karlovy Vary were visited by fourth year high school medical students on Monday dressed as angels, devils and Mikuláš (St. Nicholas) to mark the upcoming saint’s day. Events marking “Mikuláš” are traditionally held on the evening of December 5. Traditionally, children receive fruit or chocolate in return for reciting poems or singing songs, which keep the devils at bay. Somewhat naughty children can also receive a potato or lump of coal. In recent years, more and more Czech children have themselves dressed up as the iconic characters, making the evening more similar to Halloween.

Author: Jan Velinger