| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | Restoration of the Czech Independence Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Feb 14,2023 | St. Valentine's Day | Observance |
| Wednesday | Feb 22,2023 | Carnival / Ash Wednesday | Christian |
| Wednesday | Mar 08,2023 | International Women's Day | Observance |
| Sunday | Apr 02,2023 | Palm Sunday | Christian |
| Thursday | Apr 06,2023 | Maundy Thursday | Christian |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | National holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 08,2023 | Holy Saturday | Christian |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | Christian |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | National holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day / May Day | National holiday |
| Monday | May 08,2023 | Victory in Europe Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | May 14,2023 | Mother's Day | Observance |
| Thursday | May 18,2023 | Ascension Day | Christian |
| Sunday | May 28,2023 | Whit Sunday | Christian |
| Monday | May 29,2023 | Whit Monday | Christian |
| Thursday | Jun 01,2023 | Children's Day | Observance |
| Sunday | Jun 04,2023 | Trinity | Christian |
| Sunday | Jun 18,2023 | Father's Day | Observance |
| Wednesday | Jul 05,2023 | Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius | National holiday |
| Thursday | Jul 06,2023 | Jan Hus Day | National holiday |
| Thursday | Sep 28,2023 | St. Wenceslas Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | Oct 28,2023 | Independent Czechoslovak State Day | National holiday |
| Friday | Nov 17,2023 | Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | National holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | St. Stephen's Day | National holiday |
New Year's Day, known as "Nový rok" in Czech, is celebrated on January 1st, marking the start of the new year. It's a time for joyous gatherings, fireworks, and resolutions. Families and friends come together to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the fresh start. Cultural importance lies in reflection, hope, and unity, as Czech people embrace the possibilities of the year ahead.
The Restoration of Czech Independence Day, celebrated on October 28th, is known as "Den vzniku samostatného československého státu." It commemorates the independence of Czechoslovakia from the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918. This day is culturally significant as it represents the nation's sovereignty, freedom, and identity. Czechs take part in ceremonies, parades, and historical exhibitions, reinforcing their national pride and historical heritage.
St. Valentine's Day, known as "Svátek svatého Valentýna," is celebrated on February 14th, honoring love and affection. It's a day for couples to express their love through gifts, cards, and romantic gestures. This holiday holds cultural importance by embracing love and relationships, and it has become increasingly popular in Czech culture as a day to celebrate love and unity among couples.
Carnival, known as "Masopust," is celebrated with enthusiasm in the Czech Republic, especially on the day before Ash Wednesday. It involves colorful parades, costumes, and festive foods like doughnuts. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. These celebrations connect Czechs to their Christian heritage and provide a time of revelry and indulgence before the solemn season of Lent, blending cultural and religious traditions.
International Women's Day, known as "Mezinárodní den žen," is observed on March 8th to celebrate the social, economic, and political achievements of women. Czechs honor this day by showing appreciation to the women in their lives through gifts and kind gestures. It is culturally important as it highlights gender equality and women's contributions to society, fostering a sense of unity and respect among Czechs.
Palm Sunday, or "Květná neděle," falls on the Sunday before Easter. It marks Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On this day, Czechs traditionally carry decorated branches to church for blessings. The cultural importance lies in the blend of Christian traditions and local customs, fostering a sense of community and religious devotion.
Maundy Thursday, known as "Zelený čtvrtek," commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. It's a day of reflection and religious observance, with special church services and rituals. Czechs often consume green vegetables and herbs on this day. The cultural significance lies in deepening one's faith and remembering the events leading up to Easter, enhancing the spiritual connection among the Czech Christian community.
Good Friday, known as "Velký pátek," is a solemn Christian holiday that remembers the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Czechs participate in church services, processions, and reflection on this day. It's culturally important as it signifies the sacrifice of Jesus for redemption, fostering a sense of spirituality and reverence among Czech Christians.
Holy Saturday, or "Bílá sobota," is a day of anticipation and preparation for Easter. It is culturally significant as Czechs take part in the Easter tradition of decorating eggs and preparing special foods. The day is a blend of Christian beliefs and local customs, emphasizing the importance of Easter in Czech culture.
Easter Sunday, known as "Velikonoční neděle," is the most important Christian holiday in the Czech Republic, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Families gather for church services, festive meals, and the exchange of beautifully decorated eggs. The cultural significance is immense, as it signifies faith, rebirth, and unity among Czechs, with traditions deeply rooted in the country's history and heritage.
Easter Monday, or "Velikonoční pondělí," is a continuation of Easter celebrations. It's a day for fun and games, including the tradition of boys playfully whipping girls with decorated willow twigs and receiving painted eggs in return. This cultural custom fosters camaraderie and joy among friends and family, adding a unique and light-hearted touch to the Easter festivities.
Labor Day, known as "Svátek práce" or "Májový první," is celebrated on May 1st to honor the labor movement and workers' rights. Czechs participate in parades, rallies, and public events to promote labor-related issues. It is culturally significant as it highlights the importance of workers in society and serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for fair labor practices and social justice.
Victory in Europe Day, known as "Den vítězství," is celebrated on May 8th to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe. Czechs honor this day with ceremonies, historical exhibitions, and patriotic gatherings. It holds cultural importance as it marks the end of a dark period in history and symbolizes peace and freedom, instilling a sense of unity and gratitude among Czech people.
Mother's Day, known as "Den matek," is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Czechs express their love and gratitude to their mothers through gifts and gestures. It is culturally important as it recognizes the role of mothers in families and society, fostering stronger family bonds and appreciation for maternal love and sacrifice.
Ascension Day, known as "Pátek po nejsvětější Trojici," commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. It's a Christian holiday observed with church services and spiritual reflection. The cultural importance lies in deepening one's faith and connection to the Christian community, emphasizing the significance of this event in Christian beliefs.
Whit Sunday, or "Svatodušní neděle," is a Christian holiday celebrated 50 days after Easter. It marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Czechs attend church services and engage in spiritual activities. Whit Sunday strengthens faith and the sense of belonging to the Christian community, making it culturally significant.
Whit Monday, known as "Svatodušní pondělí," follows Whit Sunday and is a public holiday. It offers Czechs the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, attend church-related events, or relax. Whit Monday is culturally significant as it combines faith and leisure, emphasizing the importance of both in Czech culture.
Children's Day, known as "Mezinárodní den dětí," is celebrated on June 1st to honor children and promote their well-being. Czechs organize events, activities, and gifts for children. It is culturally important as it underscores the value of children in society and promotes their happiness, health, and education, fostering a sense of unity and care for the youngest members of Czech communities.
Trinity Sunday, known as "Svatá Trojice," is a Christian holiday that honors the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Czechs attend church services and engage in spiritual contemplation. The cultural importance lies in deepening one's faith and connection to the Christian community, emphasizing the significance of the Holy Trinity in Christian beliefs.
Father's Day, known as "Den otců," is celebrated on the second Sunday in June. Czechs express their love and appreciation for their fathers through gifts and gestures. It is culturally important as it recognizes the role of fathers in families and society, fostering stronger family bonds and appreciation for paternal love and guidance.
Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, known as "Den slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje," commemorates the Christian missionaries Cyril and Methodius, who introduced Christianity and the Cyrillic script to the Slavic peoples. It is celebrated with church services and cultural events, emphasizing the cultural and religious ties that connect Czechs to the Slavic heritage and Christianity.
Jan Hus Day, known as "Den upálení mistra Jana Husa," commemorates the martyrdom of Jan Hus, a religious reformer. It is celebrated with church services and historical exhibitions. Culturally significant, it highlights the importance of religious freedom and the enduring legacy of Jan Hus in Czech history and culture.
St. Wenceslas Day, known as "Den české státnosti," celebrates the feast day of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech Republic. It is observed on September 28th and holds cultural importance as it honors the country's patron saint and symbolizes national unity and identity. Czechs participate in ceremonies, processions, and cultural events to pay tribute to St. Wenceslas and their heritage.
Independent Czechoslovak State Day, known as "Den vzniku samostatného československého státu," is celebrated on October 28th. It commemorates the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918. This day is culturally significant as it represents the nation's sovereignty, freedom, and identity. Czechs take part in ceremonies, parades, and historical exhibitions, reinforcing their national pride and historical heritage.
Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, known as "Den boje za svobodu a demokracii," is observed on November 17th to commemorate the student protests in 1989 that played a pivotal role in the Velvet Revolution, leading to the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia. It is culturally significant as it symbolizes the fight for freedom and democracy, fostering a sense of unity and gratitude among Czech people for the achievement of political and societal transformation.
Christmas Eve, known as "Štědrý den," is celebrated on December 24th, preceding Christmas Day. It is a time for families to come together for a festive meal and the exchange of gifts. Cultural importance lies in the strong family bonds and traditions associated with this day, fostering a sense of togetherness and love among Czech families.
Christmas Day, known as "1. svátek vánoční," is the central Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Czechs attend church services, share festive meals, and exchange gifts. It is culturally significant as it signifies the essence of Christian faith and family unity, with traditions deeply rooted in Czech history and heritage.
St. Stephen's Day, known as "2. svátek vánoční," is observed on December 26th. It honors St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Czechs participate in church services and engage in charitable acts on this day. The cultural importance lies in deepening one's faith and carrying forward the spirit of giving and compassion, reflecting the Christian values embedded in Czech culture.
