Czech Republic Public Holidays
Czech Republic Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Czech Republic? All public holidays in Czech Republic are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Czech Republic employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Czech Republic and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
The Czech Republic, a central European country with a rich cultural heritage, celebrates numerous public holidays throughout the year, encompassing national, religious, and historical observances. These holidays are an integral part of Czech society, offering opportunities for reflection, celebration, and social gatherings. Public holidays in the Czech Republic range from significant historical events marking the country’s independence to religious holidays deeply rooted in the Christian tradition. As a member of the European Union and with a strong sense of national pride, the Czech people observe these holidays with respect for tradition and culture. National holidays commemorate key events in Czech history, while religious holidays offer moments of spiritual reflection for the predominantly Christian population.
National Holidays in Czech Republic
1. New Year’s Day (Novoroční Den) – January 1
Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day is a public holiday that marks the beginning of the new calendar year. In the Czech Republic, this day is celebrated quietly with family gatherings and public celebrations. The most significant part of the day is often spent with close family and friends, with many people attending New Year’s concerts, watching fireworks displays, or simply resting after the New Year’s Eve festivities. Government offices, businesses, and public institutions are closed for the day.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Easter Monday (Velikonoční pondělí) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Easter Monday is a national holiday in the Czech Republic, observed the day after Easter Sunday. While Easter Sunday itself is primarily a religious occasion focused on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter Monday is a day for traditional festivities, which include outdoor activities and family celebrations. A unique Czech tradition associated with Easter Monday is the “Pomlázka” or Easter whip, where boys visit girls’ homes to lightly whip them with willow branches as a symbol of health and fertility. The day is often marked by feasts and gatherings, with many people taking time off to celebrate the holiday with their families.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. Labour Day (Svátek práce) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day, or International Workers’ Day, is celebrated in the Czech Republic with a focus on the rights of workers and their contribution to the nation. It is a public holiday marked by parades, speeches, and rallies, with the labor unions playing a prominent role in organizing events. Labour Day is observed across the country, and many businesses, government offices, and schools close for the day. The celebrations are not as grand as in some other countries, but they still highlight the importance of workers in shaping society.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Czech Statehood Day (Den české státnosti) – September 28
Date: September 28
Description: Czech Statehood Day commemorates the feast day of Saint Wenceslaus (Svatý Václav), the patron saint of the Czech lands, and marks the founding of the Czech state. The holiday honors the country’s history and national identity, particularly the long-standing cultural ties to Saint Wenceslaus, a key figure in Czech history who promoted Christianity. The day is observed with ceremonies, including religious services, public speeches, and commemorative events. It serves as a day of reflection on Czech history, patriotism, and the enduring role of Saint Wenceslaus in the nation’s cultural fabric.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
5. Independence Day (Den vzniku samostatného československého státu) – October 28
Date: October 28
Description: Independence Day is one of the most important national holidays in the Czech Republic, as it commemorates the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918. On this day, Czechoslovakia became an independent republic, free from the control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, the Czech Republic continued to observe this holiday to honor its own independence. The day is marked by patriotic ceremonies, state-level events, and historical reflections on the country’s journey to statehood. This holiday is significant as it celebrates the strength and perseverance of the Czech people in their quest for self-determination.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
6. Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (Den boje za svobodu a demokracii) – November 17
Date: November 17
Description: Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day honors the events of 1989, when students in Prague held demonstrations that led to the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia. This day is significant as it marks the beginning of the Velvet Revolution, a peaceful movement that brought about the fall of the communist regime. The holiday is marked by educational events, ceremonies, and public discussions about freedom and democracy. In addition to its historical significance, this day is also a time for the Czech people to reflect on their values of liberty and democracy.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
7. Christmas Day (Štědrý den) – December 25
Date: December 25
Description: Christmas Day in the Czech Republic is celebrated as a religious holiday marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and gift exchanges. The Czech people have many unique Christmas traditions, including the preparation of traditional dishes such as carp and potato salad. In the evening, families gather for a festive meal, followed by the opening of gifts. Christmas services are held in churches, and public celebrations take place throughout the country. Many businesses and government offices close for the day.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
8. St. Stephen’s Day (Svatek Štěpána) – December 26
Date: December 26
Description: St. Stephen’s Day, celebrated the day after Christmas, is dedicated to St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This day is primarily a religious observance, and many people attend church services to honor St. Stephen. It is also a day for continuing family celebrations from Christmas, with many people visiting relatives and enjoying holiday meals. It is a public holiday, and many businesses and government offices remain closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Czech Republic
1. Good Friday (Velký pátek) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Good Friday is a solemn Christian observance that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is marked by church services, prayer, and reflection on the sacrifice made by Jesus. While not a national public holiday, it is a day of significance in the Czech Republic, particularly in Christian communities. Many people attend church services, and some businesses may close or operate on a reduced schedule.
Observance: Nationally, especially within Christian communities
Days Off: 1 (for religious observance)
2. Easter Sunday (Velikonoční neděle) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it is one of the most important religious holidays in the Czech Republic. The day is celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Easter is also an occasion for several unique Czech traditions, such as decorating eggs, rolling them down hills, and participating in various spring-related customs. It is a day of joy, reflecting the theme of resurrection and renewal. Many businesses are closed, and most people take the day off to celebrate.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Nanebevzetí Panny Marie) – August 15
Date: August 15
Description: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a Catholic holiday celebrated to honor the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken into heaven. This holiday is observed with Mass and religious services throughout the country. While it is a religious occasion, it is also marked by family gatherings and cultural activities, particularly in rural areas. Some regions hold special processions or festivals to celebrate the Assumption.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. St. Wenceslaus Day (Svatý Václav) – September 28
Date: September 28
Description: St. Wenceslaus Day is both a religious and national holiday, as it honors St. Wenceslaus, the patron saint of the Czech lands, and celebrates the country’s historical heritage. The day is marked with religious services, national ceremonies, and cultural events. St. Wenceslaus was a key figure in Czech history, known for promoting Christianity and his dedication to his people. His legacy is honored in ceremonies and processions, particularly in Prague, where a statue of the saint stands in Wenceslaus Square.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Public Holidays Observance and Work Schedule
The following table shows the public holidays, the number of days off, and which groups of people observe the holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observing |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Novoroční Den) | January 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Easter Monday (Velikonoční pondělí) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally |
| Labour Day (Svátek práce) | May 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Czech Statehood Day (Den české státnosti) | September 28 | 1 | Nationally |
| Independence Day (Den vzniku samostatného československého státu) | October 28 | 1 | Nationally |
| Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (Den boje za svobodu a demokracii) | November 17 | 1 | Nationally |
| Christmas Day (Štědrý den) | December 25 | 1 | Nationally |
| St. Stephen’s Day (Svatek Štěpána) | December 26 | 1 | Nationally |
| Good Friday (Velký pátek) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally (Catholic communities) |
| Easter Sunday (Velikonoční neděle) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally |
| Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Nanebevzetí Panny Marie) | August 15 | 1 | Nationally |
| St. Wenceslaus Day (Svatý Václav) | September 28 | 1 | Nationally |
