The Svatohorská shawm from Příbram

The Svatohorská Šalmaj has been one of the main cultural events in the town of Příbram for several years. It is attended not only by the town’s residents but also by people from the wider surrounding area. Preparations for this year’s event were unusual due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. From this perspective, the organisers were as well-prepared as possible – with disinfection measures, free face masks, socially distanced stalls and, most importantly, a mobile app designed to track the current number of visitors on site.

In terms of the programme, this year’s event was finalised several weeks in advance. The organisers approached artists, finalised contracts and drew up the timetable in collaboration with sound engineers and technicians. Once again, the approach was to combine well-known names with local artists, particularly up-and-coming talents from primary art schools. The event also featured a procession which made its way from T. G. Masaryk Square to Svatá Hora; this year’s procession included knights on horseback, carters’ carts and other participants dressed in period costume.