The 20th Meeting of Mining Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic and the 16th European Day of Miners and Metallurgists

The 20th Meeting of Mining Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic and the 16th European Day of Miners and Metallurgists took place from 10 to 12 June 2016 as one of the main events marking the 800th anniversary of the founding of the town of Příbram. The event brought together mining and metallurgical associations from across Europe; in addition to local residents and associations, other representatives of organisations from the Czech Republic also took part.

The core focus of these associations’ activities is the preservation and promotion of mining and metallurgical traditions, customs and folklore; the event builds on a tradition established in 1965, when the first gathering took place in Luisenthal, Germany, and has since been held in other European countries (Luxembourg, France, Austria, Hungary and the Netherlands). These gatherings always provide an opportunity for participants and local residents to learn about the various European regional and national customs and traditions in the mining and metallurgical sectors.

The main group of participants in the project were members of various mining and metallurgical associations from the Czech Republic and abroad. A total of 110 applications were received, and the miners’ parade on Saturday featured a procession of approximately 2,140 miners and steelworkers from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Ukraine, Slovenia and, of course, local Czech mining associations from Kutná Hora, Ostrava, Jihlava and Stříbro. The general public also took part in various parts of the programme.

During the event, visitors had the opportunity to learn about the customs associated with these industries, which have played a significant role throughout the 800-year history of the town of Příbram. The town’s residents were also indirectly involved in the project because another programme (concerts, entertainment shows) was taking place at the same time in another part of the town, which led to participants from all the events mixing and interacting with one another.

In 2016, this event became one of the most significant highlights of the programme marking the town’s 800th anniversary. It was organised in collaboration with local associations dedicated to preserving mining traditions (the Prokop Association, the Příbram Miners’ and Metallurgists’ Guild).

The programme was spread over three days (10–12 June 2016). The event took place throughout the town of Příbram, primarily in its most significant squares – T. G. Masaryk Square and J. A. Alis Square. Other venues included: Svatá Hora, the Marie Mine – Březové Hory, and the Mining Museum – the Anna Mine.

On Friday evening, the opening ceremony of the 20th SHMO and the 16th EHKT took place at T. G. Masaryk Square – featuring the handover of the EHKT challenge flag – followed by a cultural programme. Following the opening ceremony, crowds of miners gradually made their way to the second venue – J. A. Alise Square and the Marie Mine in Březové Hory – where a cultural programme continued into the night. The highlight was a fireworks display, which participants were able to watch at around ten o’clock in the evening.

On Saturday, a miners’ church service was held at Svatá Hora, followed by a ceremonial procession, which began with cannon fire, passed through the town and stopped at T. G. Masaryk Square, where a formal ceremony took place on stage. During the official speeches, the challenge flag of the gathering of mining towns and villages of the Czech Republic was handed over by the Mayor of Havířov to the Mayor of the Royal Mining Town of Příbram. There were many toasts and speeches before the mining standards and flags were decorated. The event concluded with the national anthem and the miners’ anthem ‘Hornický stav budiž velebený’ (‘May the Miners’ Guild Be Praised’).

Once the official proceedings were over, most of the participants returned to Březové Hory, where the Příbram Philharmonic Orchestra, the Rožmitál Folk Ensemble, the Dr V. Vepřek Chamber Mixed Choir and other musical acts performed. Representatives of miners’ associations, officials from mining towns and foreign delegations were invited to a meeting with the mayor of Příbram. In the early evening, the final official event took place at St Prokop’s Church in Březové Hory: the presentation of the 2016 Český permon awards.

On the final day, a cultural programme took place at the Marie Mine, whilst a children’s performance and musical performances were held at J. A. Alis Square.

Throughout the celebrations, a wealth of supporting programmes was organised for participants. The weather was kind to the mining festival and remained very pleasant throughout the celebrations.