St. John of Nepomuk, who lived in the 14th century, according to legend was drowned by orders of King Wenceslaus for refusing to reveal the confessions of the queen to him. This Christian martyr is well-beloved in the Czech lands and he is the patron saint of Bohemia. To commemorate his memory, celebrations take place every year on the eve of his feast day.
The festivities include a solemn mass in the Cathedral of St Vitus, St Wenceslas and St Adalbert, a procession from the Cathedral across Charles Bridge to Křižovnické Square, and a Baroque concert on the Vltava River culminating with fireworks.
