Busking is Alive in Prague! In Mexico you would Have Gone Behind the Bars ...
Busking is a term for the performance of arts (dance, musical, theatrical...) in public areas, for which the artist obtains money in the form of a reward from his audience. In many countries and cities this kind of art is prohibited. In Bohemia it is subject to certain rules, in Mexico City you could expect to be delivered from the street directly into prison.
Talented artists should be welcome in the streets!
Buskers are talented artists who should certainly be supported. Many a busker has made it from the streets all the way to sold-out arenas. It was for example Bono Vox of U2, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan or David Bowie.
Busking, although the name is modern, represents a thousands-years-long tradition and plays a very important part of city life. It brings life into the streets, giving it a pulse, attracting people to go out, offering culture to everyone who just passes by. Thanks to it, people in anonymous cities are brought together, exchange contacts, communicate.
One busker may occupy the ground only of 1.5 m² in size and in this country doesn´t have to apply for any permission such as is necessary in other countries. Perhaps the worst in this respect is Mexico City. There buskers may go from the street straight into the jail. The best conditions prevail in Australia - in Melbourne and Sydney.
What does the decree in Prague adjust?
The decree valid in Prague became effective in March 2016. It does not prohibit busking but specifies places where it must not be performed; for instance children's playgrounds, churches, public transport stops and specifically some parts of the Old Town Square, Křižovnický Square, Tyl´s or Letenské Squares.
Busking may be performed only from 9:00 to 21:00, in the case of audible performance, the periods are shorter. Acoustic productions must additionally do without amplifiers, without the use of loud musical instruments such as drums. The ban applies to the use of bagpipes and saxophones are permitted only with a sound dampener.
So take to the streets and look for outdoor artists even outside the June festival Prague Lives Through Music (7.-9.6.)!
