Czech Calendar 2025 - Public & Regional Holiday: Significance and Activities

The Czech Republic, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant traditions, observes a variety of public and regional holidays. These holidays reflect the nation’s deep cultural roots, Christian heritage, and significant historical milestones.

In 2025, the Czech public holidays provide opportunities to celebrate freedom, reflect on history, and enjoy seasonal traditions.

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Holidays in the Czech Republic

List of Public Holidays in the Czech Republic 2025: Significance, Activities

The Czech Republic has 13 official public holidays, most of which are nationwide and involve closures of schools, public offices, and businesses.

1. New Year’s Day / Day of Restoration of the Czech State (Nový rok / Den obnovy samostatného českého státu)

• Date: January 1, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Closures: Schools, public offices, and most businesses are closed.
• History and Significance:

  New Year’s Day marks the start of the calendar year and commemorates the peaceful split of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. It is a dual holiday of reflection and celebration.

• Celebrations and Activities:

  Czechs often attend family gatherings, enjoy festive meals, and watch fireworks. In Prague, the New Year’s concert by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra is a highlight. Many people also take outdoor walks or hikes to welcome the year.

2. Good Friday (Velký pátek)

• Date: April 18, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Closures: Schools, public offices, and most supermarkets are closed.
• History and Significance:

  Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is part of the Easter observances in the Christian calendar.

• Celebrations and Activities:

  Many Czechs attend church services, especially in towns with historical cathedrals like Kutná Hora and Olomouc. For non-religious families, the day is spent preparing for Easter traditions like decorating eggs.

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3. Easter Monday (Velikonoční pondělí)

• Date: April 21, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Closures: Schools, public offices, and most businesses are closed.
• History and Significance:

  Easter Monday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and incorporates unique Czech traditions.

• Celebrations and Activities:

  A notable Czech custom involves pomlázka: men and boys use braided willow sticks to playfully "whip" women to bring health and fertility. In return, women give painted eggs or chocolates. The day is also marked by feasts and outdoor gatherings.

4. Labour Day (Svátek práce)

• Date: May 1, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Closures: Schools, public offices, and most supermarkets are closed.
• History and Significance:

  Labour Day celebrates workers’ rights and the achievements of the labor movement. In the Czech Republic, it also symbolizes spring and love.

• Celebrations and Activities:

  Couples traditionally kiss under blooming cherry trees for luck in love. Political rallies and cultural events take place in larger cities like Prague and Brno.

5. Liberation Day (Den vítězství)

• Date: May 8, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Closures: Schools, public offices, and most businesses are closed.
• History and Significance:

  Liberation Day marks the end of World War II in Europe and the liberation of Czechoslovakia from Nazi occupation.

• Celebrations and Activities:

  Ceremonies take place at war memorials, including the National Memorial in Prague’s Vítkov Hill. Military parades and historical reenactments highlight the nation’s gratitude for peace and freedom.

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6. Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (Den slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje)

• Date: July 5, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Closures: Schools, public offices, and most supermarkets are closed.
• History and Significance:

  This holiday honors Saints Cyril and Methodius, who brought Christianity and literacy to the Slavic peoples in the 9th century.

• Celebrations and Activities:

  Religious services and pilgrimages occur, particularly at Velehrad, a significant historical site.

7. Jan Hus Day (Den upálení mistra Jana Husa)

• Date: July 6, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Closures: Schools, public offices, and most businesses are closed.
• History and Significance:

  This day commemorates Jan Hus, a Czech reformer and martyr who was burned at the stake in 1415. He is a symbol of Czech independence and moral courage.

• Celebrations and Activities:

  Lectures, exhibitions, and historical reenactments are held. Wreath-laying ceremonies take place at Hus monuments across the country.

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8. Day of Czech Statehood (Den české státnosti)

• Date: September 28, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Closures: Schools, public offices, and supermarkets are closed.
• History and Significance:

  This holiday celebrates Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech nation and symbol of statehood.

• Celebrations and Activities:

  Religious ceremonies and festivals honor Wenceslas, particularly in Stará Boleslav, where he was martyred.

9. Independence Day (Den vzniku samostatného československého státu)

• Date: October 28, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Closures: Schools, public offices, and most businesses are closed.
• History and Significance:

  Independence Day commemorates the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918.

• Celebrations and Activities:

  Official events include parades, speeches, and cultural performances. Wreaths are laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Prague.

10. Christmas Eve, Day, and St. Stephen’s Day (Štědrý den, Boží hod vánoční, Svátek svatého Štěpána)

• Dates: December 24–26, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Closures: Schools, public offices, and supermarkets are closed.
• History and Significance:

  Christmas is one of the most cherished holidays in the Czech Republic, blending religious traditions with cultural customs.

• Celebrations and Activities:

  On Christmas Eve, families gather for a traditional meal, often featuring carp and potato salad, followed by gift exchanges. Midnight masses are popular. Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day are quieter, with family visits and winter activities.

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Regional and Observances in the Czech Republic 2025

In addition to national public holidays, the Czech Republic celebrates several regional holidays and observances. These reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity, local traditions, and historical events. While not recognized as official public holidays, these regional celebrations are important for the communities that observe them and provide a unique window into the traditions of different parts of the country.

1. St. Procopius Day (Den svatého Prokopa)

• Date: July 4, 2025
• Observed In: Žďár nad Sázavou and surrounding areas
• Significance:

  Honors St. Procopius, the patron saint of Bohemia and Moravia. St. Procopius is closely associated with Czech history and the founding of religious institutions.

• Celebrations:
  • Religious ceremonies are held at the Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Local markets, cultural performances, and historical exhibitions are part of the festivities.

2. Feast of St. Wenceslas (Svatý Václav)

• Date: September 28, 2025
• Observed In: Nationwide with heightened significance in Central Bohemia (particularly Stará Boleslav)
• Significance:

  St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech Republic, symbolizes Czech statehood and national pride.

• Celebrations:
  • A pilgrimage to Stará Boleslav, the site of St. Wenceslas’s martyrdom.
  • Wreath-laying ceremonies and historical reenactments.
  • Local fairs and cultural events in towns across the region.

3. South Moravian Wine Harvest Festivals (Vinobraní)

• Dates: Mid-September to October (Exact dates vary)
• Observed In: South Moravia, including Mikulov, Znojmo, and Velké Pavlovice
• Significance:

  Celebrates the grape harvest and the region’s centuries-old winemaking tradition.

• Celebrations:
  • Wine tastings, parades, and traditional folk dances.
  • Vendors offer burčák (young wine) and regional specialties.
  • Historical processions in traditional costumes are common.

4. Jan Hus Day (Den Jana Husa)

• Date: July 6, 2025
• Observed In: Regions with strong Protestant communities, including South Bohemia and Prague
• Significance:

  Commemorates the legacy of Jan Hus, a religious reformer and national hero. His teachings laid the groundwork for the Protestant Reformation.

• Celebrations:
  • Memorial services and lectures about Hus’s contributions to Czech history.
  • Cultural events and historical reenactments.

5. St. Martin’s Day (Den svatého Martina)

• Date: November 11, 2025
• Observed In: Nationwide, but particularly celebrated in Moravian regions
• Significance:

  Marks the beginning of the wine-tasting season and celebrates St. Martin, a figure associated with charity and humility.

• Celebrations:
  • Traditional feasts featuring roast goose and Svatomartinské víno (St. Martin’s wine).
  • Parades and fairs highlight local food, crafts, and wine.

6. Feast of St. John of Nepomuk (Svatý Jan Nepomucký)

• Date: May 16, 2025
• Observed In: Plzeň Region and towns along the Vltava River
• Significance:

  St. John of Nepomuk is a patron saint of the Czech Republic, particularly associated with protection from floods and bridges.

• Celebrations:
  • Processions and blessings of rivers and bridges.
  • Pilgrimages to his statue on Charles Bridge in Prague.

7. Liberation Day in Pilsen (Osvobození Plzně)

• Date: May 6, 2025
• Observed In: Pilsen (Plzeň Region)
• Significance:

  Commemorates the liberation of Pilsen by American forces during World War II.

• Celebrations:
  • Historical reenactments featuring WWII military vehicles and uniforms.
  • Concerts and exhibitions focusing on the city’s wartime history.

8. Feast of the Holy Trinity (Svatá Trojice)

• Date: June 8, 2025
• Observed In: Certain Moravian regions and small towns with strong Catholic communities.
• Significance:

  Celebrates the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

• Celebrations:
  • Religious processions and special church services.
  • Community meals and local fairs.

Conclusion

The Czech Republic’s public holidays in 2025 reflect its rich cultural heritage and historical legacy. From honoring religious saints to celebrating national independence, these holidays are a window into the Czech spirit and traditions. Visitors to the Czech Republic will find these holidays to be a unique blend of solemn reflection, festive joy, and cultural pride.

FAQs

1. What are the most important public holidays in the Czech Republic?

   Easter Monday, Independence Day (October 28), and Christmas are among the most significant holidays.

2. Are shops and offices open on public holidays in the Czech Republic?

   Most shops, schools, and offices are closed on public holidays, though some tourist-focused businesses may remain open.

3. What is the pomlázka tradition during Easter?

   Pomlázka involves men and boys using braided willow sticks to symbolically whip women for health and fertility.

4. Do Czechs celebrate May Day differently?

   Yes, May Day is both a celebration of labor and a romantic tradition where couples kiss under blooming cherry trees.

5. How do Czechs celebrate Christmas?

   Christmas Eve features a festive meal with carp, gift exchanges, and midnight mass, followed by quieter family gatherings on Christmas Day.

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