Witch on the dam

Come celebrate Walpurgis Night at the Jablonec Dam! On Thursday, 30 April 2026, its immediate surroundings will be transformed into a lively scene full of light, fire, movement and stories.

The traditional witch burning in Jablonec nad Nisou will take on a modern form, combining folk customs with contemporary culture and art in public spaces. The afternoon and evening programme for all generations will take place around the entire dam – from the park below the dam, through the sports field, Prut and Tajvan, to the Sun Baths:

3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Night markets at the dam

The sports field near Prut will be transformed into a market with dozens of stalls. Three fields will offer handicrafts, design, original creations and a rich gastronomic experience until late at night.

4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. – Enchanted forest for children

An interactive light trail full of characters, tasks and a gently mysterious atmosphere will be created in the park below the dam. A small reward awaits the children at the end. The programme is being created in cooperation with DDM Vikýř.

7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Resurrection of the Rod

A striking artistic element of this year's event. Illuminated geometric objects will enliven the surface of the dam and build on the original artwork Udice (Fishing Rod) by V. K. Novák. The project is being created in collaboration with SUPŠ and VOŠ in Jablonec nad Nisou and opens up the topic of art in public spaces.

8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m. – Steampunk Fire Show

The Sluneční lázně will host a spectacular show by Blackout Paradox Theatre – a combination of fire, acrobatics, music and steampunk aesthetics. The duration of one performance is approximately 15 minutes.

9:00 p.m. – Lantern parade, bonfires, water scouts

The symbolic heart of the entire event. The parade will start at David's stand, accompanied by drummers and majorettes, and will lead across the main dam, around Volt to the beach at Prut. Water scouts will also take part, sailing across the water with lanterns. Bonfires will be lit along the route around the dam, with the final one featuring a witch on the beach at Prut. Safety will be ensured by SH ČMS – the Jablonecké Paseky Volunteer Fire Brigade and other units.

Our tip:You can make your lantern in advance atthe Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou, where a programme dedicated to witches will take place on Wednesday, 29 April. From 12 noon to 6 p.m., you can decorate your lantern with stones and beads and prepare for the lantern parade around the dam. From 3:30 p.m., the Rolnička Theatre will perform a fairy tale about how the bear cubs prepared to burn the witches in the glass annex. Admission to the programme is free, and lanterns for decorating will be available for purchase on site.

Funfair on Taiwan

Traditional carousels and fairground attractions for young and old alike will add another dose of fun to the main programme. The funfair on the Taiwan peninsula is operated by an external organiser, but will be open to all visitors, as in previous years.

Organised by Kultura Jablonec, p.o. and the statutory city of Jablonec nad Nisou.