On this page you can find informations about holidays and other significant days that are somehow important for Czech Republic.
Holidays are public celebrations. All of those are work free holidays Most of the people don't have to work over holidays. Many shops, banks, offices are closed.
In Czech this holiday is called Nový Rok. It is celebrated probably same way as anywhere else.
Easter Monday (March or April)
Easter is celebrated differently than for example in the United States. In the Czech Republic we celebrate Easter on Monday not on Sunday. On Easter Monday a special rite is held. It is called Pomlázka. During this rite men of all ages swat their favourite women on legs with decorated willow switches. This, according to a tradition, is suppose to bring rejuvenation. Litte boys then go through the town and visit all women and girls they know. They usually get candy and painted eggs. Older guys don't get eggs and candy, but shots of alcohol. So you can probably imagine what happens to them when they know many women.
Once of the obligatory Communist "holy" day. During the communist regime very big demonstrations were taken place and it was almost mandatory to go out and celebrate WORK. It was one of the stupid communist idea. Nowadays it is just a chance to relax and have a day off.
A celebration of the liberation of Prague by its citizens and Russian Army in 1945.
Recalls the Slavs' introduction to literacy and Christianity by the Greek missionary monks during years 863-864 AD.
Jan Hus, a priest and a Bohemian religious reformer, was burnt on a stake in 1415.
28 October 1918 the Czech Republic was found.
Christmas usually begins 24 December in the morning. When children get up they decorate a christmas tree. Then in the evening people eat traditional christmas meal-fried carp with potato salad. Then they go under the christmas tree and get gifts. 0n December 25 and 26 are usually days for family visits.
The following events are significant days for people of the Czech Republic. But are normal working days.
Formal end of the Christmas season, sometimes with carols, bell ringing, gifts to the poor.
In memory of a student Jan Palach who burnt himself in 1969 as a protest against the Soviet occupation of the Czech Republic.
7 March Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Birthday
Birthday of the first president and one of the foundators of the Czech Republic.
30 April Burning of the Witches
A pre-Christian festival for warding off the evil influence of malign forces, especially withes who rode off on broomstics to a randezvous with devil. During this all night bonfire parties old brooms are burnt.
Anniversary of the 1945 anti-nazi revolt preceding the arrival of the Soviet Army.
The annual music festival with the classical music concerts in Prague.
September Prague Mozart Festival
17 November Start of the Velvet Revolution
Anniversary of the start of non-violent revolution in 1989 which brought the end to a communist regime.
5 December Devil & St.Nicholas
On the evening of December 5, the Devil and St.Nicholas (usually parents who are dressed up in costumes) come to the homes of young children to find out if they have behaved well all year long and give some candy to the kids.
