Czech Republic (CZ)
Czech Republic is a landlocked Central European parliamentary republic of 14 regions, home to the fairy-tale spires of Prague — one of Europe's best-preserved medieval capitals — as well as world-famous Bohemian crystal and glasswork, the birthplace of Pilsner lager, a thriving startup and tech scene anchored in Prague and Brno, and one of the lowest unemployment rates and most stable economies in the EU.
Capital: Prague
Region: Europe
Language: Czech
Currency: CZK (Kč)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 50)
Emergency: 112
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Public Holidays 2026
13 holidays in Czech Republic. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day / Restoration of the Czech State Public Holiday
Nový rok / Den obnovy samostatného českého státu
Double significance: New Year and the anniversary of the founding of the independent Czech Republic on 1 January 1993 (Velvet Divorce from Slovakia).
April 2026
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Velký pátek
Public holiday since 2016. Marks the crucifixion of Jesus. Date varies by year — falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday.
Mon 6
Easter Monday Public Holiday
Velikonoční pondělí
Easter Monday is a public holiday. Czech Easter traditions include boys playfully whipping girls' legs with decorated willow switches (pomlázka) and girls throwing water on boys. Date varies by year.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day / May Day Public Holiday
Svátek práce
International Workers' Day. Traditional May Day celebrations include maypole (máj) raising. In Czech culture, couples traditionally kiss under a blooming cherry tree on this day.
Fri 8
Victory in Europe Day Public Holiday
Den vítězství
Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945. Czech Republic was liberated from Nazi occupation. Note: Czech Republic observes May 8, unlike some countries which observe May 9.
July 2026
Sun 5
Day of Slavic Apostles Cyril and Methodius Public Holiday
Den slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje
Commemorates the arrival of Byzantine missionaries Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia in 863 AD, who created the Glagolitic alphabet and translated religious texts into Old Church Slavonic.
Mon 6
Jan Hus Day Public Holiday
Den upálení mistra Jana Husa
Commemorates the burning at the stake of Jan Hus, Czech religious reformer and forerunner of the Protestant Reformation, on 6 July 1415 at the Council of Constance.
September 2026
Mon 28
St Wenceslas Day / Czech Statehood Day Public Holiday
Den české státnosti
Feast day of St Wenceslas (Václav), patron saint of Bohemia and the Czech nation. Commemorates the murder of Prince Wenceslas I in 935. One of the most important Czech national holidays.
October 2026
Wed 28
Foundation of Czechoslovakia Day Public Holiday
Den vzniku samostatného československého státu
Commemorates the proclamation of independent Czechoslovakia on 28 October 1918, following the dissolution of Austria-Hungary at the end of World War I.
November 2026
Tue 17
Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day Public Holiday
Den boje za svobodu a demokracii
Commemorates two events: the Nazi suppression of Czech student demonstrations on 17 November 1939, and the beginning of the Velvet Revolution on 17 November 1989. Also International Students' Day.
December 2026
Thu 24
Christmas Eve Public Holiday
Štědrý den
The most important Christmas celebration in Czech culture. Gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve evening, traditionally brought by Ježíšek (Baby Jesus) rather than Santa Claus. Traditional meal includes fish soup and fried carp with potato salad.
Fri 25
Christmas Day (First Day) Public Holiday
1. svátek vánoční
First Christmas holiday. Family celebrations continue. Most businesses closed.
Sat 26
Second Christmas Day (Boxing Day) Public Holiday
2. svátek vánoční
Second Christmas holiday. Family visits and relaxation. Most businesses remain closed.
Note: Some holidays in Czech Republic apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.