Festivals and Annual Events

Held on the 6th January, this festival marks the end of the Christmas season with carolling, bell ringing and the distributing of gifts to the poor.

Occurring on the 19th of January people congregate in Wenceslas Square at the Jan Palach Memorial to pay tribute to the student who set himself on fire in 1969 in protest against Soviet occupation.

A massive carnival with street parties, fireworks and concerts that starts on Friday and culminates to a masked parade on Shrove Tuesday.

A funfair full of rollercoaster, rides and many food stalls in Vystaviste from February 24th to Easter.

This universal holiday is heralded by an old Czech ritual. In Prague men of all ages chase their beloveds and swat them on the legs with willow switches tied with ribbon. In return the women give gifts of hand painted eggs. After that the party gets started.

A pagan ritual to ward off evil on April 30th, people burn brooms in Vystaviste, hold bonfire parties on Kampa Island and Petrin Hill, though these are held unofficially.

Starting on May 12th, the Prague Spring celebrates the anniversary of composer Bedrich Smetana’s death. This prominent classical music festival proceeds from Vysehrad to Smetana Hall in Municipal House. Smetana’s Ma Vlast (‘My Country’) is the opening music of the festival programme.

Prague’s cobblestone streets shut down as over 14,000 runners cross 42km.

Held in Mala Strana in late May, this festival includes English comedy acts, theatre and musical nights.

Occurring in late May, this festival celebrates Roma culture with its traditional music, dance, art and a parade through Stare Mesto.

Held in multiple theatres, this is an international festival of modern dance.

PWF is a major European literary event. Some of the past honourable guests have been Margaret Atwood, Yann Martel, Ian McEwan and Salman Rushdie.

The last weekend of this month is entranced by the sweet sounds of chamber music floating through the city.

At the start of August and spreading into September, the works of Verdi and other Italian composers become prominent in the city. Performed at the Prague State Opera house, it is an opportunity to see classic productions outside of the main opera season.

This is the Prague Spring classical music festival which has orchestras from Germany and England’s BBC broadcasters attending. The primary venue is the Rudolfinum Concert Hall with the box open 10am-6pm. Mon-Fri.

Burcak is a sweet wine that appears during the grape harvesting season during autumn. Availability is limited but be sure to check out the celebrations in Vinohrady.

This festival was established in 1964, presenting Czech musicians and performers from around the world. Spanning over a two week period, the festival is held at the Lucerna Music Bar.

Held in Prague’s cemeteries, such as the eerie Vysehrad and Olsany, Czechs gather to light candles and commemorate the souls of the dead on November 2nd.

More of a commemorative day for politicians and older Czech residents, who gather at memorials, November 17th, marks the 1989 revolution.

Get ready for a magical season of festivities with a massive Christmas tree set up in the Old Town Square near the main Christmas market. More of these markets are dotted around the city, selling decorations, gifts and traditional festive food; some stalls serve svarak or mulled wine while eager Czech customers haggle over carp.