We Want to Keep Connecting the World with Light

Answers to questions from SVĚTLO (Light) magazine about Prague’s Christmas decoration, issue 1/2024.

Were you surprised by the announcement from U.S. News that the most beautiful winter wonderland in the world is in Prague?

Yes and no. I was surprised by the possible breaking of a certain inertia in the traditional perception of Vienna, Salzburg, Rome… Prague mostly belonged only among the top five, so the absolute first place delighted me greatly. On the other hand, I felt that joy as a message, as a confirmation of certain steps, and with great humility and gratitude I sent my thanks somewhere upwards.

How do the preparations go and how long do they take? Do you have the opportunity to influence the final form of the decoration?

I like to say that it is before Christmas after Christmas. Most large projects begin once Christmas is over, and some are planned over the span of a year. The decoration and running of the markets are provided by the company TAIKO, and the decoration of the tree on Old Town Square by THMP, with whom we began cooperating in 2020. At that time, given the request for a more modest tree during Covid, we were able to fulfil our vision of decorating the tree in a way that suited the historic space. Once again, according to the American Forbes, it surprisingly placed among the twenty-one most beautiful. Later we extended our cooperation with TAIKO beyond the decoration of Old Town Square, and together we opened the first light park in the Czech Republic, in Prague, at Žluté lázně (the Yellow Baths). We fine-tune the decoration continuously, and we begin more intensively immediately after the Easter decoration. As part of the management process we submit proposals, but we settle the final form with a certain necessary trust, which allows us to preserve a certain conceptual coherence.

Christmas decoration usually has a theme each year. What, in your view, was decisive from the point of view of the lighting?

I am convinced that it is conceptual coherence, that is, stylistic consistency and respect for the environment, which are essentially basic prerequisites in any field. Again I must say that, thanks to the international recognition, we gained a kind of legitimate support to continue with the concept. I very much wished to create, in Prague too, an imaginary Christmas town on the model of smaller towns. It did not happen overnight, but today the beautiful historic atmosphere is completed by decorated trams, buses, boats, decorated refuse lorries, the Petřín funicular, Žluté lázně… The theme of this year’s Christmas reflected the anniversary of Cinderella and an attempt to evoke an atmosphere of joy when we return home. I am glad that, somewhat metaphorically, the plea that lights should not only illuminate and tell stories but also connect was heard. I think that what was recognised was precisely this connection on the most varied levels.

You also operate around the world. Is there any difference in the use of light decoration here and, say, in other parts of the world?

Yes, we decorate shopping centres and towns here and in Europe. Tastes differ, whether in colour or in the perception of the Christmas holidays and their symbols. Essentially, cultural patterns and traditions decide, as we know from other fields too. I think that Prague dressed for Christmas was authentic. Simple, noble, but also playful thanks to the trams and refuse lorries, simply rich in meaning and sensitive, and welcoming in its overall impression. Perhaps precisely because we do not succumb to fashion trends, we do not give up Christmas in its traditional conception, but express ourselves with a fitting, meaningful simplicity.

What further challenges do you see in the world of Christmas decoration after such a worldwide award?

I very much wish that Prague, which for me is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, would remain a Christmas fairy tale for its visitors for ever. With light we want to keep connecting the world, whether by expanding further light parks or through original creation. I would like to add a personal wish: that light, in all its possible meanings, may remain for us an essential source of joy and hope.