The tree was brought to Prague at night by an American tractor, built and secured around half past two in the morning. Now the spruce will be decorated until Friday and then it will light up in the colors of the Czech tricolor on the weekend, but due to measures against the spread of coronavirus without a big public event. For the same reason, there will be no traditional markets in the center of the metropolis. The tree in the square will remain until the beginning of January.
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The town obtained the spruce from the owner of the cottage in Kamenný Přívoz, Roman Veselý, who had to cut it down because its roots disturbed the foundation of the house and threatened to fall in stronger winds. From Prague, for a 17.5 meter high tree, he received 10,000 crowns.
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The felling took place on Sunday, then it was taken to a landfill in Modletice near Prague and tonight to the Old Town Square. “We crossed the border of Prague just at exactly one morning, along the way the Hlávka bridge slowed us down a bit due to a temporary narrowing of the road. Otherwise, the journey went smoothly, “said Martin Švestka, head of transport. The tree was built and secured at half past two, he added. Its stability is ensured by ropes and crane weights.
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According to the company Technologie, the capital city of Prague, which was in charge of the installation this year, the decoration will consist of six kilometers of Christmas chains, 40 stars and 300 Christmas balls. The tip at the top will be three meters high.
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This year, the center of the metropolis will most likely have to do without the Christmas markets, which are organized annually by the Taiko company on the Old Town and Wenceslas Square and on the Republic Square. Councilor Jan Chabr (TOP 09) previously said that markets and another program will not be in the center. However, he added that the management of the municipality is still waiting for precise instructions regarding the celebrations of the Christmas holidays, which should be provided by the government. In any case, according to the councilor, some of the smaller markets in the city districts are likely to take place.
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In recent years, trees intended for Prague’s Christmas markets have not been cut down in forests, but on land and gardens of private individuals or institutions. These are mostly solitary trees that should be felled for safety reasons or that stand on land on which construction is planned. This year, Prague also had a backup tree selected, which grows near Kladno. It would be felled if the erected tree was damaged during transport today. Last year’s Christmas tree came from Semily and was 25 meters high.
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