Holy Week (Svatý Týden) & Easter in Czech Republic 2025

In Western Christian tradition, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, which typically falls in March or April. In the Czech Republic, Easter is celebrated in a traditional manner that focuses more on folk customs of the countryside than on religious rites.

Holy Week (Svatý Týden) Traditions

The Easter celebrations in the Czech Republic begin on "Blue Monday," named after the blue fabric used to decorate churches. During Mass, the Gospel of Mary is read, remembering how she anointed the Lord’s feet with perfumed oils. The following day, "Grey Tuesday" is uneventful and lacks special observances. "Ugly Wednesday" is a day when people are urged not to frown, as it is believed that frowning on this day would bring ugliness for the rest of the year. On "Green Thursday," people are encouraged to eat green foods for good health. This day also marks the final ringing of the church bells until "White Saturday," when they are silent in reverence.

Good Friday & Holy "White" Saturday

Good Friday is a day of silent prayer. On the morning of Holy “White” Saturday, bonfires are set in front of churches. White Saturday traditions are especially colorful in the churches of Kyjov, Domaľlice, Blatnice, Břeclav, or Vlčnov. Many people wear traditional clothes. Believers approach the fire to light small pieces of wood and take them home. The Czech name for Easter is Velikonoce (which can be translated as Great Night).

Easter Sunday Dishes

On Easter Sunday in the Czech Republic, traditional dishes are blessed and enjoyed with family and friends, often during festive picnics. Among the most famous foods are roast lamb with parsley and bread stuffing (nádivka), and cakes shaped like lambs, coated in icing (beránek). Another popular treat is mazanec, a sweet Easter bread topped with glaze and almonds. A unique pastry called "Judas" is also commonly enjoyed. These small braided or spiral-shaped pastries are said to symbolize the rope with which Judas Iscariot hanged himself.

Easter Eggs

Easter in Czechia is celebrated with a variety of customs, and egg decorating is one of the most beloved traditions. Children often engage in painting eggs, which are then given as gifts or enjoyed for breakfast if they are boiled. The eggs are decorated with intricate designs using wax and dyes, and many are also etched, carved, or dyed with natural colors like onion peel. One traditional method involves decorating eggs with tiny pieces of straw, which are glued onto the shell after it is dyed. Other popular techniques include using wire, perforating the shell, or decorating with wax.

“Pomlázka Feast” Monday

Easter Monday in Czechia, known as Whipping or "Pomlázka Feast" Monday, features a distinctive tradition called "pomlázka." On this day, men gently whip women with freshly plaited birch sticks, symbolizing the wish for health and beauty. This playful ritual is not meant to be harmful but rather a fun and symbolic gesture. In return, women give men decorated eggs. After the "whipping," men receive painted eggs and sometimes shots of alcohol, while children typically get chocolate treats. In some villages, the festivities include colorful processions where both men and women wear traditional rural costumes.

Easter Markets in Prague

One more thing everyone should do during Easter celebrations in the Czech Republic is visit Easter markets. These markets are concentrated in three of Prague's most famous squares: Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and Republic Square. Tens of thousands of people annually visit these markets. Hundreds of vendors offer traditional Czech products, including Easter decorations, eggs, lace, wooden toys, and puppets. Visitors can also check out cultural entertainment programs, concerts, demonstrations of old arts and crafts, and interesting workshops.

Locations to Celebrate Easter

Czech open-air museums play a crucial role in preserving the country’s folk traditions, especially during Easter. One of the most popular events is Easter in Wallachia, held at the Rožnov pod Radhoštěm open-air museum in Moravia. Here, visitors can experience authentic customs from the region. Another notable venue is the Veselý Kopec Museum in East Bohemia. Historical buildings are beautifully decorated, and staff in traditional costumes welcome visitors.