Wednesday, January 1, 2025

The first day of the new year, traditionally a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. Interesting fact: January 1st is a dual holiday in the Czech Republic - in addition to New Year's Day, it also commemorates the establishment of the independent Czech Republic in 1993.

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Commemoration of the establishment of the independent Czech Republic on January 1, 1993, after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia. Following the Velvet Revolution (1989) and political negotiations, Czech Prime Minister Václav Klaus and Slovak Prime Minister Vladimír Mečiar agreed to divide the state. After 74 years of shared history, Czechs and Slovaks separated peacefully and amicably - this separation is therefore called the "Velvet Divorce".

Friday, April 18, 2025

Good Friday always falls on the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a relatively new holiday - it was added only in 2016. Together with Easter Monday, it creates an extended Easter weekend. The date changes every year according to the lunar calendar.

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Easter Sunday is the most important Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Note: Easter Sunday is NOT an official state holiday in the Czech Republic - although it is an important Christian day, it falls on a regular Sunday, which is itself a day of rest.

Monday, April 21, 2025

Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday. In Czech tradition, it is celebrated with pomlázka - a custom where boys visit girls and gently whip them with willow switches, for which they receive eggs or sweets. Together with Good Friday, it creates an extended Easter weekend. The date changes every year according to the lunar calendar.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

International Labour Day has been celebrated since 1890 in commemoration of the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago (1886), where demonstrators fought for an eight-hour working day. In the Czech Republic, this day is a day off, but many people use it for their first spring trips to nature.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Commemoration of May 8, 1945 - the end of World War II in Europe and the liberation of Czechoslovakia. During the Prague Uprising (May 5-8, 1945), the Old Town Hall was seriously damaged. The holiday has undergone several transformations - from 1991 to 2000 it was called "Liberation from Fascism Day", then until 2004 "Liberation Day", and since 2004 it has borne its current name "Victory Day".

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Commemoration of the arrival of Byzantine brothers Cyril and Methodius to Great Moravia in 863. Moravian Prince Rostislav invited them to spread Christianity in the Slavic language. They created the Glagolitic alphabet (predecessor of Cyrillic), translated the Bible and liturgical texts into Old Church Slavonic, and are now considered the founders of Slavic literature. It became a state holiday in 1990. An important pilgrimage site is Velehrad with the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Commemoration of the burning of Jan Hus on July 6, 1415. Hus was a Catholic priest, philosopher, theologian, rector of Charles University, and an early church reformer. He called for reforms including Czech liturgy and stopping the sale of indulgences - he preceded Martin Luther by more than a century. He was excommunicated and summoned to the Council of Constance, where he refused to recant his views and was burned at the stake as a heretic. His death sparked the Hussite Wars and significantly influenced the European Reformation. It became a state holiday in 1990.

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Commemoration of September 28, 935 - the assassination of Prince Wenceslas (St. Wenceslas). Wenceslas was a Czech prince (921-935), murdered by his brother Boleslav. After his death, he was canonized as a Catholic saint and became the patron saint of the Czech lands. This day celebrates Czech Christian and state traditions. Traditionally, wreaths are laid at the statue of St. Wenceslas in Wenceslas Square in Prague, and the President awards St. Wenceslas medals for services to Czech statehood. It became a state holiday in 2000.

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Commemoration of October 28, 1918 - the declaration of Czechoslovak independence. Independence was proclaimed by Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Edvard Beneš and other political leaders at the end of World War I after the collapse of Austria-Hungary. This is the very first Czechoslovak state holiday (established 1919). Traditionally, a military parade takes place at the National Monument on Vítkov Hill, state honors are awarded at Prague Castle, and Smetana's opera Libuše is performed at the National Theatre. This holiday is celebrated only in the Czech Republic, it is not a state holiday in Slovakia.

Monday, November 17, 2025

This day commemorates two important events: on November 17, 1939, Nazi Germany closed Czech universities, executed 9 students and professors, and sent over 1,200 to concentration camps. On November 17, 1989, a student demonstration against the communist regime sparked the Velvet Revolution. The 1989 demonstration commemorated the 50th anniversary of Nazi repression. Police brutality against students sparked nationwide protests that led to the fall of communism. Memorial events are traditionally held on Národní třída, Albertov and Wenceslas Square. It became a state holiday in 2000.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

In 12 days

In Czech tradition, Christmas Eve is the main day of Christmas celebrations. In the evening, a traditional dinner is served (carp soup, fried carp, potato salad) and gifts are unwrapped under the Christmas tree. Shops over 200 m² must be closed by noon at the latest.

Thursday, December 25, 2025

In 13 days

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. In the Czech Republic, it is a day of rest and family gatherings. Large shops remain closed.

Friday, December 26, 2025

In 14 days

St. Stephen's Day is a Christian feast honoring St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. In Czech tradition, it is a continuation of Christmas celebrations and time spent with family. Large shops remain closed.