Spring has arrived in Prague, and with it comes a plethora of colourful and lively festivals that attract visitors from all over the world.
Here are some of the best and most interesting upcoming festivals.
Easter Markets
When: 25 March 2023 – 16 April 2023
Where: Old Town and Wenceslas Square
The main Easter markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, in the heart of the city. The two squares are 5 minutes walk from each other.
Smaller markets are held at Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), on Kampa Island, and at Havel’s Market.
There is also a sizeable Easter market at Prague Castle, held on the square in front of St. George’s Basilica from
For a local Easter market, visit Peace Square (Náměstí Míru), which is 15 minutes walk from Wenceslas Square. The market, which attracts mostly Czech people, runs from 25th March to 10th April 2023.
Prague Spring International Music Festival
When: 11 May 2023 to 2 June 2023
Where: Various venues, including the Rudolfinum, the National Theatre, and the Prague Concert Hall.
The already 78th Prague Spring International Music Festival will be opened with Smetana’s My Country by the Welsh National Opera Orchestra from Cardiff and its chief conductor Tomáš Hanus on 12 and 13 May 2023.
Violist Antoine Tamestit whom audiences will hear at four concerts will be the artist-in-residence of the Prague Spring Festival. Daniel Harding and Tomáš Netopil will appear at the helm of foreign orchestras; Czech orchestras will be conducted by John Adams, Klaus Mäkelä, and Oksana Lyniv. Georg Friedrich Haas will be the composer-in-residence of the Prague Offspring weekend of contemporary music; his compositions will be played by the Klangforum Wien ensemble.
Early music will be represented by Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset, harpsichordist and pianist Jean Rondeau, and countertenor Andreas Scholl. This year, the festival will build on the tradition of closing concerts with the program of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with conductor Christoph Eschenbach.
Prague Witches’ Night
When: 30 April
Where: All over Prague
On April 30th every year, Czechs celebrate Witches night and the star attraction is of course, the witch. Bonfire is an important part of the tradition as the fire was believed to protect against evil forces and illnesses. Even today people gather, lit bonfires and celebrate.
Erected in small towns and villages, maypoles, a maple or birch tree decorated with ribbons and spring flowers are traditional symbols of the awakening of nature, abundance and new life.
Festival of Blooming Lilacs
When: May
Where: Prague 8
The Lilac Blossom Festival (Festival kvetoucích šeříků) in Prague is a colourful festival held every May when the lilacs are in full bloom. Visitors can indulge in traditional Czech dishes, including cakes and drinks made from lilac blossoms.
The festival offers a variety of activities, including concerts, exhibitions, and theatre performances. The festival culminates in a breathtaking fireworks display.
Ride of the Kings in Vlcnov
When: May 27-28
And there’s another UNESCO happening! This unique Czech carnival has been around for more than 200 years, when several villages in the east of Czechia immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere. You’ll be taken back by the traditional costumes, local specialties, and cheerful tones of the cimbalom and brass instruments!
Strážnice International Folklore Festival
June 22-25
Have you heard about Verbuňk – a Czech dance inscribed on the UNESCO list? You can see the very best Verbuňk dancers at the largest and oldest folklore festival in Europe, which takes place not only in the park around the castle and the vineyards but also in the Strážnice open-air museum.
You can look forward to folk songs, dances, and costumes from all over the world!
