Understanding Czech public holidays

Public holidays close most offices and banks. Larger supermarkets are legally required to close on certain public holidays, which catches people out at Christmas and Easter.

Dates worth planning around

• 1 January — New Year's Day and Restoration of the Independent Czech State
• Good Friday and Easter Monday
• 1 May — Labour Day, and 8 May — Victory Day
• 5 and 6 July — Cyril and Methodius, and Jan Hus
• 28 September — Czech Statehood Day
• 28 October — Independent Czechoslovak State Day
• 17 November — Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day
• 24, 25 and 26 December

What still runs

• Public transport runs to a Sunday timetable.
• Pharmacies operate a rota for holiday cover.
• Small shops under the size threshold may open.