Valdstein Festivities in Jičín 2026

The Valdstein Festivities 2026 take place from May 14–17 in Jičín under the subtitle "Valdstein Games – In the Sign of Games". The festivities rank among the largest historical events in the Hradec Králové Region and are held as a biennial – in even years in Jičín, in odd years in Frýdlant and Cheb. The tradition dates back to 1994.

The programme opens on Thursday, May 14 with scenic readings and theatrical performances in the arcaded courtyard. On Friday, a knights' tournament with horses takes place in the linden avenue, complemented by theatrical performances and a unique slackline show at a height of 45 metres over a 260-metre route between Hotel ReStart and Věžák. On Saturday, a historical procession passes through the city led by Duke Albrecht of Waldstein – the procession departs from the Waldstein Lodge via the linden avenue and continues through Havlíčková, Nová, Židovská and Palackého streets to Waldstein Square, where the mayor welcomes it. Saturday's programme includes period markets, military unit displays, fairy tales, workshops, theatre and activities in the Jesuit college. The highlight is the premiere of a new card game themed on Waldstein and the Thirty Years' War. Saturday evening culminates in a Baroque garden celebration with a torch procession and a traditional Venetian fireworks display. Sunday belongs to Waldstein's garden theatre at the Waldstein Lodge with music, theatre and an intimate atmosphere. Admission to most events is free.