Easter in Czech Republic – What’s happening?
There is a wide range of events happening across the Czech Republic during the upcoming Easter period. Here is a rundown of some of the most exciting ones.
Prague
After a two year coronavirus-induced break, the largest and most famous Czech Easter market on Prague’s Old Town Square is open again. A special “spring village” has been set up near Prague’s famous Orloj clock tower which offers a wide array of hand-made Easter-themed products. Visitors will also be able to learn more about Easter arts and crafts, paint their own egg and watch a traditional folklore show.
Smaller markets are also being held on Náměstí Míru, Náměstí Republiky and Wenceslas Square.
For a deeper excursion into the country’s Easter traditions, Praguers can pay a visit to the Ethnographic Museum located in the Kinský Garden near Petřín hill. The historic building of the museum and its surrounding park don’t just offer a welcome setting for families and dog owners, but also practical classes on how to paint eggs and make one’s own willow whip for Monday’s pomlázka.
Children may also appreciate a visit to the Prague Zoo which is offering a special programme on Easter Monday packed with spring games on the backdrop of Easter traditions. Visitors will also be able to give special “Easter gifts” to animals.
Brno
Aside from hosting its own Easter market and events on Freedom Square, the Czech Republic’s second city, Brno, is also hosting an Easter spiritual music festival. With the performances taking place in several of the city’s churches this may be an opportunity to visit some of Brno’s architectural jewels on the backdrop of a unique atmosphere.
Castles and landmarks
Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in the Czech Republic. With many Czechs choosing to use the extended weekend to holiday abroad, this may be the perfect opportunity to visit some of the country’s many historical sites, several of which are also offering their own Easter programmes.
One of the country’s most famous and best preserved castles – Křivoklát – is hosting a special Easter programme starting this Friday. Aside from hosting its own Christmas market, the castle has also invited several folk music ensembles. Children may also appreciate the accompanying puppet and theatre shows.
If you’re wondering how you would fit into the Middle Ages, the Moravian castle of Sovnice is hosting its own special programme running from Friday to Monday where visitors will be able to try out archery, historical dancing and possibly even learn some medieval combat techniques from reenactors.
Landscape lovers may want to visit Bohemia’s highest castle - Kašperk. Located in the south of Bohemia near the Šumava National Park, the medieval fortress was founded by Charles IV and offers fantastic views of the surrounding hills and forests. During the Easter period, Kašperk is also offering a special programme focusing on what it was like to live in a medieval royal castle.
If it’s mainly folklore and traditions you’re after then perhaps the best place to visit during the Easter period is the Wallachian Open Air Museum near the Beskydy Mountains. Starting Friday and running until Sunday, the museum offers a wide-ranging programme with a custom programme fitted to each day.
Another interesting event exploring how people celebrated Easter in the past is currently running in old medieval silver mining city of Příbram until Sunday. The city’s Mining Open-air Museum in Březové Hory has organised an exhibition showing how miners celebrated Easter in the early 20th century. Visitors will also be able to try out making their own reed whistles and baking some traditional Czech Easter cakes.
Accommodation
If you’re venturing out of town and looking for a hotel why not also check out the possibility of accommodation in one of the many architecturally beautiful monasteries around the country? Cloisters such as Broumov, Vranov and Teplá are offering rooms as well as tours around the surrounding grounds. Beer lovers will also surely appreciate the beer tasting events taking place at the monastery in Želiv.
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Czech Easter
This year Easter Sunday falls on March 31. How is Easter celebrated in the Czech Republic? Which Czech Easter traditions are alive to this day? Find out on these pages.
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The Wallachian Open Air Museum – a window into Moravian traditions
Located in the town of Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, the Wallachian Open Air Museum offers a unique look into the history of Moravian architecture and customs.
