Join the svařák challenge: Prague’s human mulled-wine chain aims to set a record

Aiming to set a new record in the Czech Book of Records, a Prague wine seller will attempt to create a human chain of at least 450 people on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. that will carry a single cup of svařák (mulled wine) across Prague’s Štvanice footbridge, from Holešovice Market to the River Rink in Karlín.

The event, intended to promote the art of crafting quality mulled wine, is organized by Poctivý Svařák Kubík, local producers focused on traditional, chemical-free recipes, who want to draw attention to honest svařák made without artificial additives and excessive sweetness. Participants can register here.

"My friend Honza and I operate two mulled wine stands close to each other, in Holešovice and Karlín at River Rink," says Fanda, owner of Poctivý Svařák. "The bridge to us represents a symbol of connecting two beautiful communities and two Prague districts. It’s an amazing structure."

The Štvanice footbridge, which opened in July 2023, has recently earned recognition with the National Architecture Award, part of the Czech Architects’ Grand Prix 2024. Designed by Petr Tej, Marek Blank, Jan Mourek, Aleš Hvízdal, and Jan Hendrych, the minimalist structure spans the Vltava River, connecting the Prague districts of Holešovice and Karlín.

Locally known as "HolKa," a combination of the district names, the areas on either side of the bridge have become epicenters of Prague's local food scene. Outside of the tourist fray of the Old Town Square market, you'll also find more of a local Czech holiday vibe here.

The event comes amid rising prices for mulled wine at Christmas markets—in some places up to CZK 100—a continuing upward trend in recent years. As such, it also serves as a reminder to support smaller producers who offer a more refined version of the drink.

"We have worked hard to keep our prices the same for the past three years," says Fanda. "We have experienced an increase in costs, but believe that keeping the price affordable is equally important. For us, quality is the name of the game, it's made directly by the winemaker and with very high quality materials."

Their mulled wine is brewed using real wine, carefully selected spices, and added fruit factor: Poctivý Svařák was the first to make mulled wine with plums. The network of stands also offers customers the opportunity to sample for free before buying.

For those unable to join the record attempt, the “Tour de Svařák” app provides a guide to sampling mulled wine at various different markets in Prague—in addition to Holešovice Market and River Rink you'll find Poctivý Svařák at the Tylák and Jirák Christmas markets.

The name “svařák” comes from the Czech verb svařit, meaning “to boil.” Historically, this process not only brought out the flavors of spices but also masked the flaws of lower-quality wine during the communist era. The word svařit also means “to weld,” giving rise to the affectionate nickname “The Welder” for the drink.

Fanda believes that his mulled wine will weld neighborhoods and communities together this weekend. "People can become part of the birth of a future tradition and event that we would love to repeat yearly. We expect people to enjoy it, feel some adrenaline, and be part of a team of fans that appreciate quality wine."