The Carp Are Out .....

......And the streets are bloody with there sacrificial Christmas Cheer.

One of the big Czech traditions is in full swing this Christmas. On many busy squares and intersections you will find large tubs of water with giant carp swimming around inside. Outside the tubs you find large men in blood and guts splattered jumpsuits yelling at the carp. People walk up, pick one out and the flearless jumpsuit wearing man goes in after the fish. It seems the fish are not worthy adversaries because the men always prevail. Their victory of the catch is followed by loud shouts, so far I can't understand them, and then fish brutality. On the sidewalks in front of commuters, tourists and soon to be owner of fresh fish meat, the carp it sliced open. Blood runs from the carp, through the cobble stone and into the gutters. Once fully emptied of the unwanted inards, the proud new owners pays the large jumpsuited man and the rest of the carp swim and wait.

Merry Christmas!!!