Čarodějnice: Firefighters responded to 91 ‘witch-burning’ fires

On Friday, firefighters responded to 91 fires throughout the country during the traditional burning of witches (Čarodějnice), 20 more than last year. Only one serious injury was reported, and there was no major damage, a Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

The burning of rag-and-straw witches on Čarodějnice ceremonially marks that winter has come to an end. The tradition developed from an ancient pagan belief that witches were especially active on the night of April 30.