For the first time ever, Christmas has come to Brno’s Římské náměstí (Roman Square), with the Christmas Festival of Bad Habits. The area between Františkánská and Masarykova streets has been transformed by the festival, which features an impressive installation. The project was prepared by the Brno-střed district in collaboration with the internationally renowned artist Kateřina Šedá, the non-profit organisation Renadi, and architects from Peer Collective.
Visitors to Římské náměstí (Roman Square) can look forward to experiencing a unique Christmas atmosphere. The square’s main attraction is a large-scale installation featuring curtains, offering visitors more than just a spatial experience. “Our main theme is overcoming barriers, whether they are physical or mental. With this installation, we want to give people the chance to pause, reflect and consider making a change. All with a touch of exaggeration and humour. The Christmas Festival of Bad Habits is a cultural event that also calls for greater openness and empathy. The installation is open to visitors every weekday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and one of its elements is barrier-free access to the Church of St Mary Magdalene from Františkánská Street,” said Kateřina Šedá, the artist behind a number of successful projects in the Czech Republic and abroad.
There are three sales stands at the square. However, visitors will not find the usual Christmas market offerings there. Instead of sausages and mulled wine, the stands will offer non-alcoholic beverages, meat-free dishes and souvenirs. Each Advent Sunday will be dedicated to a different disadvantaged group in society.
“The expansion of the markets to Římské náměstí (Roman Square) is one of the main new features of Christmas in Brno this year. The Christmas festival will last until 31 December and will offer several interesting events. There are plans for a Christmas mass and a charity soup and tea distribution for those in need, for example,” said Ludmila Oulehlová (ANO political party), first deputy mayor of the Brno-střed district.
The town hall paid around CZK 3 million for the project. The initiative also aims to revive the area, which, despite being located in the city centre, is not a popular destination for Brno residents. “Římské náměstí (Roman Square) is one of the parts of the city centre with long-unused potential. We therefore decided to bring the square to life for Christmas and give it a theme that would attract visitors who would not usually go to the Christmas markets,” added Vojtěch Mencl (ODS political party), mayor of the Brno-střed district.
The complete programme for ‘Římák’ (Roman Square) can be found on the Facebook page. The Christmas markets, organised primarily by the Brno-střed district, began in Brno on 14 November. In most places, they will last until 31 December.
