There is a lot happening in Prague in April. The city comes alive with the promise of Spring and there are some great celebrations to get involved in.
The most notable of these events is Easter, which can fall at the end of March or early April. There are many events that coincide with the Easter festivities and we expand on some of the best ones below.
Prague Easter Markets
If you happen to find yourself in Prague around the Easter Holiday, you will be blessed with the opportunity to explore the many vibrant Easter markets that pop up throughout the city. Starting from the middle of March and continuing into early April, the markets are a wonderful place to pick up handmade goods and festive treats on your trip to Prague.
There are many markets for visitors to peruse but the best ones are held in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. You can easily explore both as they are just a short walk from one another, meaning you could spend a whole afternoon exploring the stalls and interacting with the local vendors.
Prague Majáles
If you’re planning to visit Prague towards the end of April, you can get involved in one of the biggest events of the year, Prague Majáles. This is a May Day celebration that usually takes place on the 1st of May, but often falls on the last few days of April. The event is held throughout the Czech Republic, but the festivities are best experienced in the capital.
Prague Majáles is very popular with students, who attend to enjoy the raucous concert and soak up the electric energy of the event. It is still very popular with tourists as well, especially those looking for some festival fun and good vibes.
Alongside the concert, there is a fabulous parade through the city and an election for the King and Queen of Majáles, which is a hotly anticipated aspect of the festival.
Witches’ Night Festival
Held on the 30th of April every year, Witches Night is very similar to Guy Fawkes Night in the UK. The event is celebrated all over the country, with different towns and villages having their own spin on the tradition. The event involves burning an effigy of the witch, who represents the cold winter and by burning her welcomes the coming of spring.
To experience the festival in Prague, head to St Nicholas Church and watch the procession of the witch as it heads towards Kampa Park. As the evening progresses, the pyre will be lit aflame and attendees can gather around the warm fire while enjoying drinks and snacks.
St. Matthew’s Fair
St. Matthew’s Fair, known as ‘Matějská pouť’ in Czech, is one of Prague’s most beloved and enduring traditions. This annual event, which typically takes place from late February to mid-April, marks the arrival of spring and is a celebration filled with fun, games, rides and entertainment. It takes place at the Prague Exhibition Grounds and is free to enter, but rides are priced individually.
The fair features a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, bumper cars, carousels and other classic carnival rides that delight visitors of all ages. You’ll also find numerous food vendors offering traditional Czech fare, including sausages, roasted ham and pastries, as well as sweet treats like cotton candy and candy apples.
Entertainment at the fair includes live music performances, stage shows and various artists and street performers, who add to the festive atmosphere.