The Peace Light of Bethlehem arrives in Brno this weekend. From there, the Flame of Hope will be distributed by Scouts a week later to all regions of the Czech Republic.
This year, the Peace Light reaches Brno on 6 December. The following weekend, Scouts will carry it across the entire country and into thousands of households. For decades, the flame has symbolised peace, understanding, and festive togetherness, and in 2025, Czech Scouts will bring it into the country for the 36th time.
As usual, a Czech delegation – led by two traditional “Light Bearers” – will receive the Peace Light at an ecumenical ceremony in Linz, Austria. From there, it will travel via Vienna and Břeclav to Brno, arriving at the main railway station on the same evening: Czech Railways’ EC 272 Metropolitan is expected at 19:36.
Ceremonial celebration at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Brno
On Sunday, 7 December, the Peace Light of Bethlehem will be presented to the public in Brno for the first time, at an ecumenical ceremony in the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (Dom Petrov). The event begins at 16:00 and will last approximately one hour. It will feature the youth choir SBM under the direction of Štěpán Policer, with the evening hosted by actor and presenter Igor Dostálek. The ceremony is open to all visitors. However, it will not yet be possible to take the light home that weekend; this opportunity will be available a week later.
From Brno to all regions of the country
Traditionally, the Peace Light of Bethlehem sets off on its nationwide journey on the morning of Saturday, 13 December. Volunteer Scout couriers distribute the flame by train to all regions of the Czech Republic. Within a single day, the light reaches hundreds of towns and communities, with the last trains arriving at their destinations around 18:00.
Motto 2025: “Carry the Light of Hope”
This year’s motto highlights the heart of the tradition: every person who shares the Peace Light becomes part of a chain of togetherness. The idea is closely linked to a quote by Václav Havel: “Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense – regardless of how it turns out.”
The Peace Light of Bethlehem reminds us that even small acts of kindness carry significance – because they help to pass on a piece of hope, without knowing where the spark will ultimately reach.
Key Dates at a Glance
- 6 December – Ecumenical ceremony in Linz and handover to the Czech delegation; arrival of the light in Brno at 19:36
- 7 December, 16:00 – Ceremonial reception at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Brno
- 13 December from 06:00 – Distribution of the light by train to all regions
- 13–24 December – The light available at regional and local events across the country
Since 1990, Scouts from Brno have brought the Flame of the Eternal Light from Austria to the Czech Republic. The light, which burns in the grotto beneath the Nativity Basilica in Bethlehem, symbolises peace, love, hope, and friendship. Scouts from around the world help to spread it.
For further information and the latest updates, visit www.betlemskesvetlo.cz.
Peace Light of Bethlehem
Betlémské světlo 2025
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