2024 Public Holidays in Czech Republic

Public Holidays in Czech Republic 2024

Czech Republic, nestled in the heart of Central Europe, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and religious traditions. In this guide, we’ll explore the public holidays in Czech Republic for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.

National Holidays

New Year’s Day (Nový rok) – January 1, 2024

New Year’s Day in Czech Republic marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and gatherings of family and friends. Many people make resolutions for the new year and spend time reflecting on the year gone by.

Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Czech Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Good Friday (Velký pátek) – April 19, 2024

Good Friday is observed by Christians as the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death. In Czech Republic, it is a solemn day marked by religious services and reflection.

Days off: Good Friday is not a public holiday in Czech Republic, but it is observed by the Christian community.

Easter Monday (Velikonoční pondělí) – April 22, 2024

Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is celebrated as a public holiday in Czech Republic. It is a time for family gatherings, Easter egg decorating, and traditional Czech Easter customs, such as whipping or dousing women with water for good luck.

Days off: Easter Monday is a public holiday in Czech Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Labour Day (Svátek práce) – May 1, 2024

Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, honors the contributions of workers to society. In Czech Republic, it is a day for workers’ rights demonstrations, marches, and celebrations organized by trade unions and labor organizations.

Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Czech Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Liberation Day (Den osvobození) – May 8, 2024

Liberation Day commemorates the end of World War II in Czech Republic. It marks the anniversary of the surrender of German forces in 1945, which led to the liberation of Czechoslovakia from Nazi occupation.

Days off: Liberation Day is a public holiday in Czech Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (Den slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje) – July 5, 2024

Saints Cyril and Methodius Day honors the Christian missionaries Cyril and Methodius, who introduced Christianity and the Cyrillic alphabet to the Slavic peoples. It is celebrated with religious services and cultural events.

Days off: Saints Cyril and Methodius Day is not a public holiday in Czech Republic.

Jan Hus Day (Den upálení mistra Jana Husa) – July 6, 2024

Jan Hus Day commemorates the martyrdom of Jan Hus, a Czech priest, theologian, and reformer who was burned at the stake for heresy in 1415. He is considered a key figure in the Czech Reformation and a symbol of Czech national identity.

Days off: Jan Hus Day is not a public holiday in Czech Republic, but it is observed by the Christian community.

Czech Statehood Day (Den české státnosti) – September 28, 2024

Czech Statehood Day commemorates the feast day of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Czech Republic, and celebrates Czech statehood and sovereignty. It is a national holiday marked by cultural events, parades, and festivities.

Days off: Czech Statehood Day is a public holiday in Czech Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Independent Czechoslovak State Day (Den vzniku samostatného československého státu) – October 28, 2024

Independent Czechoslovak State Day commemorates the creation of Czechoslovakia as an independent republic in 1918, following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I. It is celebrated with patriotic events, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances.

Days off: Independent Czechoslovak State Day is a public holiday in Czech Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Christmas Eve (Štědrý den) – December 24, 2024

Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and is celebrated as a traditional Czech holiday. Families gather for a festive dinner, exchange gifts, and attend midnight Mass or religious services.

Days off: Christmas Eve is not a public holiday in Czech Republic, but it is widely celebrated as a family-oriented occasion.

Christmas Day (Boží hod vánoční) – December 25, 2024

Christmas Day in Czech Republic commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with religious services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. Festive decorations adorn homes, churches, and public spaces, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Czech Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

St. Stephen’s Day (Štěpánský den) – December 26, 2024

St. Stephen’s Day is observed as the second day of Christmas in Czech Republic. It is named after St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and is a time for relaxation and continuation of Christmas celebrations with family and friends.

Days off: St. Stephen’s Day is a public holiday in Czech Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Czech Republic 2024