Hanami in Strahov Monastery

Since 2022, I have been organizing a festival of Japanese culture Hanami in the premises of the Strahov Brewery and the St. Norbert restaurant located on the grounds of the Strahov Monastery in the picturesque vicinity of Prague Castle. (Address: Strahovské Nádvoří 301, Prague 6) Connection: tram no. 22, stop Pohořelec). 

The event is called Hanami - a festival of blooming cherry blossoms, literally "Observing cherry blossoms", which had originated according to the old Japanese poetic tradition from the custom of picnics under blooming cherry blossoms taking place always in the spring.

 The organizer of the event is the St. Norbert Monastery Brewery, which on this occasion produces a batch of exceptionally delicious cherry blossom beer, St. Norbert Sakura Amber Ale. 

The idea of ​​presenting Japanese culture during an occasional batch of cherry blossom beer led to the creation of an ambitious project, as the cultivated family of the brewery owner is among the admirers of Japanese culture. The Strahov Brewery itself has long-standing ties to Japan, with several Japanese brewers studying there. 

The informal part of the event usually begins with a Samurai procession walking to the sound of a taiko drums through Prague to the venue in the ancient Premonstratensian Strahov Monastery. 

The festival is presenting martial arts, kimonos, haiku, a tea ceremony, Japanese dance and music, exhibitions of ink paintings and lectures, is in the broader sense becaming a celebration of spring, joy, Japanese culture and traditionally good relations between the Czech Republic and the Land of the Rising Sun. 

Hanami at Strahov has the potential to become one of the largest regular events of Japanese culture in Prague.

Author Jakub Zeman