Masopust carnival processions being held around Czechia

Many Czech municipalities are holding masopust, or carnival, events this weekend. Masopust lasts from January 6 until Ash Wednesday – the beginning of Lent – which this year falls on February 22.

Masked processions are today usually held on the last weekend of the Mardi Gras period, though they originally took place on Shrove Tuesday.

Masopust celebrations are a major tradition in Czech villages but have also become more common in cities in recent decades.