Czech Republic Events and Festivals

Beltine Festival of Celtic Culture (Bohemia)
This festival promises fun for all ages. Taking place every year from 30 April, 20:00 until 1 May, 12:00noon, this non-stop festival runs for 16 hours through the night. Celtic music, dance performances, martial arts, workshops, games, a children’s programme, crafts, food and much more all take place in selected castles and chateauxes in Cheb, West Bohemia.

Paleni Carodejnic (Burning of the Witches)
A pre-Christian festival for warding off evil, bonfires are lit all over the country, witch effigies and old brooms are burned and people party on through the night beginning on 30 April. 

Velikanoc (Easter Monday)
Traditionally an old pagan springtime ritual, men of all ages wander through their village swatting their favourite women on the legs with decorated willow switches. This is supposed to bring rejuvenation, although now it’s often taken a bit too far.

Ceske Povstani (Czech Uprising)
May 5 marks the anniversary of the 1945 anti-Nazi revolt preceding the arrival of the Soviet army.

Prague Spring International Music Festival
This fantastic festival is a permanent showcase for outstanding performing artists, symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles of the world. The first festival was held in 1946 and continues each year from mid-May through the beginning of June. For more information visit www.festival.cz

Summer Shakespeare Festival (Prague)
From June through September, Prague Castle comes alive as a showcase of theatre is performed in the courtyard of the Burgrave Palace. Truly a treat if you are in town during the summer. For more information, visit www.shakespeare.cz/english.html

United Islands of Prague Festival (Prague)
Taking place all over the bigger islands of Prague from 16 June to 25 June, this festival draws families, friends and even dignitaries to its cultural events. The islands are Prague’s most mysterious places and provide unusual views of the city and pristine nature. The islands also offer superb opportunities for leisurely walks and relaxing spaces away from the festival activities. Events take place on the islands during the day and continue at many Prague clubs at night.

Highland Games (Sychrov)
One of the largest Traditional Scottish Highland Games in continental Europe takes place in Sychrov for one day at the end of August. Fittingly held at Castle Sychrov, the gates to this exciting, fun-filled event open at 9:00am. This is one of the must-see festivals in the entire country. Athletes and performers such as Scotland’s 9-foot giant, Big Rory entertain and awe the crowd. The event attracts people from all over the world who come to see and perform traditional music, dance, sport and entertainment. Don’t miss it! For more information, visit www.skotskehry.net/main1-en.htm

Summer Folk Dance Week (Tabor)
Featuring Czech and Moravian folk dances, this week is designed especially for dancers interested in learning more about the folklore and folk dance of the Czech and Moravian regions, looking for a new repertoire and inspiration. Visit www.dvorana.cz/ for more information.

Harvest Festival
The Czech Republic has two harvest festivals. The first one is a spiritual festival called the Posviceni. People give thanks to God for a good harvest and also ask God to bless the grain. The second one is called Obzinky. After the harvest has been completed, farm workers make wreaths of rye, wild flowers, straw or ears of wheat. These wreaths are placed on the heads of girls. Then they go to the owner of the land and place a wreath on his head. Then they all join in a dance and feast. Then the wreath of the owner is placed in an honourable place until the next harvest. They then eat a dish known as Sauerkraut and a cake called Kolache. Wherever you are in Prague, especially the countryside, both Harvest Festivals bring joyous celebrations.

Prague Autumn International Music Festival
This fantastic festival has become a permanent part of Prague, as well as European musical life. A large range of stars from all over the world have performed throughout the festival's history, drawing thousands of classical music lovers from around the globe. For more information, visit www.pragueautumn.cz/en/soubor1.php

Verdi Festival (Prague)
The Verdi Festival is a month long festival of fantastic ballet, opera and theatre performed in the elegant Prague State Opera house. For more information, visit www.opera.cz/

Start of the Velvet Revolution
November 17 is the anniversary of the police’s violent response to the non-violent student demonstrators in Prague in 1989, triggering the fall of the Communist government.

Cert a Mikulas (Devil & Saint Nicholas)
December 5 is the day when parents, relatives and neighbours dress up and tour the homes of children to find out if they have been naughty or nice and leave them gifts. 

Vanoce (Christmas)
Celebrations begin on 25 December, the big day for family meals and gift-giving. Most people wait until the morning of this day to put up their Christmas tree. After dinner, everyone opens the presents under the tree.

January 1    New Year’s Day
March/April Easter Monday
May 1           May Day
May 8           Liberation Day
July 5           Day of the Apostles St Cyril and St Methodius
July 6           Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Jan Hus
Sept 28        Czech Statehood Day
October 28  Independence Day
Nov 17         Freedom and Democracy Day
Dec 24-26   Christmas