Preparations underway in Stará Boleslav for St. Wenceslas pilgrimage

Preparations are in full swing for the Day of Czech Statehood. The holiday commemorates the death of Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, who was murdered in Stará Boleslav on Sept. 28, in 935.

The skull of Saint Wenceslas will arrive in Stará Boleslav at 7 p.m. on Sunday for the traditional pilgrimage to the Basilica of Saint Wenceslas, where the duke was slain. It will remain in the church throughout the pilgrimage.

At the ceremonial mass on Marian Square, the skull will for the first time be replaced by a newly made silver reliquary containing a relic of the Czech patron saint. This is to prevent the skull from sustaining damage due to repeated transfers.