NÁPLAVKA CELEBRATES ITS SIXTEENTH ANNIVERSARY
For the very first time, a farmer's market took place on Rašínovo nábřeží 16 years ago. Few believed back then that the náplavka could be revived. „Attempts to hold markets on Rašínovo nábřeží had been made in the past, but they failed. At the very beginning, even farmers hesitated; sometimes we had to convince them. But we firmly believed in our concept. From 28 vendors at the first market on the náplavka, it gradually grew to a regular 90 to 100 stalls, offering farm products every Saturday from February to December between 8 AM and 2 PM. This year, they will offer their goods to customers for the first time on the left bank of the Vltava on February 1st. There will be honest, handmade salamis and sausages, artisanal spreads, and marinated meats. If it doesn't freeze, fresh fish will also be available. There will also be salty and sweet pastries, spices, and many other treats and delicacies,“ described Jiří Sedláček, chairman of the Archetyp association, which founded and operates the Náplavka farmer's market.
From the very beginning, the organizers aimed to create not only a place with quality farm products but also a space for neighborhood gatherings. Live music is always part of the farmer's market on Rašínovo nábřeží, featuring a mix of amateur street performers and professional musicians. In addition to the farmer's markets, regular events are held on the nábřeží. „This year, we are preparing a number of themed events. On May 17th, we plan the traditional spring event Růžový máj – a celebration of rosé wines and clarets, on June 20th and 21st, there will be Beer at the Náplavka – a festival of small and mini Czech breweries, and finally, in mid-November, the very popular Svatomartinské celebrations and roasted goose,“ Jiří Sedláček outlined this year's events of the Náplavka farmer's market.
NEIGHBORHOOD KUBÁŇ
The farmer's markets at Kubánské náměstí in Prague 10 have been held since 2010. Their first operator was the registered association Archetyp, which only operated here for two seasons before the organization of the markets was taken over by the municipal company of Prague 10. After long-term dissatisfaction with the management of the market, the Archetyp association returned to Vršovice after an eight-year break. „In this season, which will start on Kubáň on February 1st, we will strive to expand the market's offerings. The first market of this year will kick off with a neighborhood barbecue of quality sausages over an open fire. We will lend roasting wires to customers on-site, while we will provide the sausages, bread, mustard, and ketchup. Fresh milk, yogurts, sausages, meat, bakers, a fish grill, and much more will be available at Kubáň. During the two Saturdays in February, the 8th and 22nd, there will be pig slaughter festivities at the market,“ said Jiří Sedláček.
FAMILY HEŘMAŇÁK
The first partially zero-waste farmer's market in the Czech Republic took place on September 9, 2017, at Řezáčovo náměstí in Prague 7. It is a small square with old, mature ash trees, which the locals still call Heřmaňák after the street Heřmanova that borders it. In addition to a rich selection of farm foods, the market also offers the opportunity to buy flowers, and in favorable weather, workshops for children and parents are held here. „Heřmaňák does not officially have a winter break; often, temperatures are above zero even in January, so we follow the weather. The market is not large, but it has a magical atmosphere and prides itself on the quality of all vendors, among whom you will find organic farms. We are environmentally conscious, and personal containers and boxes are welcome at the market. You can also bring eggshells or dry bread for the free-range chicken farms. Unlike markets in the center, Heřmaňák is a cozy market for locals, where friends, families with children, and neighbors often meet. On Saturday, February 15th, the popular event ZAB Heřmaňák – pig slaughter festivities will also take place at the market,“ said Šárka Sedláčková, the organizer of the Heřmaňák farmer's market.
NÁPLAVKA FARMER'S MARKETS, www.farmarsketrziste.cz
The unique genius loci, along with a relaxed atmosphere, makes the Náplavka farmer's markets a favorite place for both locals and tourists. Every Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM, it is possible to purchase food made from quality ingredients – from seasonal vegetables and fruits, bread, meat, fresh fish, to goat, cow, and sheep cheeses, as well as homemade eggs. The Náplavka farmer's markets are part of the Association of Farmer's Markets of the Czech Republic, which adheres to the code of farmer's markets.
KUBÁŇ FARMER'S MARKETS, www.farmarsketrziste.cz
Kubánské náměstí in Vršovice, Prague 10, was established in the 1930s, has an irregular shape, and is bordered by Na Hroudě, Vladivostocká, Litevská, and Murmanská streets. Since 2010, farmer's markets have been held in the square. Every week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the popular market offers a range from bread to dairy products and meat to fruits and vegetables. The farmer's markets were operated by the registered association Archetyp since 2010, the organization was taken over by the Prague 10 municipality a year later, and since 2019, it has been organized again by the original organizer.
ZERO-WASTE FARMER'S MARKETS HEŘMAŇÁK, www.farmarsketrziste.cz
The first partially zero-waste farmer's market in the Czech Republic took place on September 9, 2017, at Řezáčovo náměstí in Prague 7. In addition to a rich selection of farm foods, the market also offers the opportunity to buy flowers, and in favorable weather, workshops for children and parents are held here. The operator is the registered association Archetyp, which has several years of experience in organizing farmer's markets. Plans are in place to expand the partially zero-waste sales to the Náplavka farmer's markets.
