The Czech Republic is a country with a rich tapestry of traditions and festivities that span the entire calendar year. Understanding the vocabulary related to these cultural celebrations can enhance your appreciation of Czech culture and can be incredibly useful if you plan to visit or engage with locals during these special times. Here’s a list of traditional Czech festivities and holiday words that you should know.

Velikonoce
This refers to Easter in the Czech Republic. While having religious connotations, it also includes unique customs, such as the ‘pomlázka’ tradition where boys go door to door, playfully whipping girls’ legs with willow branches to bring health and youth.
Chystáme se na oslavy Velikonoc v České republice.

Masopust
The Czech equivalent to Mardi Gras, or Carnival. Masopust is a traditional feast before the beginning of Lent, filled with costumes, parades, and merriment.
Na Masopust jsme se vsichni převlékli do kostýmů a šli jsme na průvod.

Mikuláš
Saint Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 5th, is when Mikuláš (Saint Nicholas) visits children with an angel and a devil to reward or admonish them based on their behavior throughout the year.
Děti netrpělivě očekávají návštěvu Mikuláše každý rok.

Čarodějnice
Also known as Witch Burning Night or Walpurgis Night, this is an ancient folk custom held on April 30th, where bonfires are lit to ward off witches and evil spirits.
Na Čarodějnice lidé zapalují ohně, aby odehnali zlé duchy.

Štědrý den
Christmas Eve, which is celebrated on December 24th, is traditionally the most important day of Christmas festivities in the Czech Republic. Štědrý den features a family dinner and unwrapping of Christmas presents.
Rodiny se schází, aby společně oslavily Štědrý den.

Jan Hus Day
Celebrated on July 6th, this day commemorates the martyrdom of Jan Hus, a religious reformer. It’s a national holiday with historical significance for the Czech people.
Na Jan Hus Day si připomínáme důležitou postavu českých dějin.

Den boje za svobodu a demokracii
Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day denounces the student demonstrations against Nazi occupation in 1939 and the start of the Velvet Revolution in 1989; it is observed on November 17th.
Den boje za svobodu a demokracii je pro Čechy velmi významným svátkem.

Barborky
Celebrated on December 4th, when cherry branches are cut and placed in water to hopefully bloom by Christmas Eve, signifying hope and new life.
Na Barborky jsme si do vázy postavili větvičky třešně.

Pálení čarodějnic
This is another term for Čarodějnice, indicative of the bonfires that are a central element of the evening.
Děti se na Pálení čarodějnic těšily, aby si opékaly špekáčky.

Vánoce
The word for Christmas in Czech, celebrated with traditional foods, festive markets, and family gatherings.
Na Vánoce se všude voní cukroví a svařené víno.

Silvestr
New Year’s Eve in Czech is called Silvestr, when people celebrate the coming of the New Year with fireworks and parties.
Na Silvestra se sejdeme s přáteli a oslavíme příchod nového roku.

Understanding these holiday terms will not only help you engage in Czech traditions but also enrich your experience of the Czech language and culture. Whether you’re learning Czech for travel, personal development, or academic purposes, integrating these festivities into your vocabulary can provide a deeper cultural connection and serve as a fun way to expand your language skills.