This Saturday (Sept. 28), Czechia will celebrate Saint Wenceslas (Václav) and Czech Statehood Day, a public holiday that will affect daily business and cultural operations throughout the country.
This holiday commemorates the death of Saint Václav, a Bohemian martyr who was later canonized for the miracles he performed.
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As a result, large stores over 200 square meters will be closed, in adherence to a law passed in 2016 that requires them to close on certain holidays. However, smaller shops will still be open for grocery shopping.
Holidays also in October, November
On Oct. 28, stores will be closed in observance of Independent Czechoslovak State Day, which marks the country's independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The following month, on Nov. 17 stores will remain open for Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day.
This holiday commemorates the student protests that sparked the Velvet Revolution and ultimately led to the downfall of the communist regime.
Where can you shop?
It is also worth keeping in mind that the closures do not apply to all stores. Pharmacies, gas stations, and shops at airports, railway stations (including Prague’s Hlavní nádraží), and hospitals are exempt. Small minimarkets and grocery stores can also remain open.
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Delivery services are not covered by the law and should operate as normal. However, personal-shopper services that rely on sourcing items from supermarkets will be faced with limited suppliers.
SEPTEMBER OPEN DAYS
- Sept. 28 marks the Open Day of the Ministry of Culture, which opens the doors of the Nostitz Palace to visitors and welcomes both adults and children with a host of special programs. The Ministry of Finance and the Straka Academy are also open.
- The Military Historical Institute Prague will open its doors to the public this Thursday.
- On Sept. 28, members of the public will also be able to attend an open day at the capital's main hygiene station in Prague 1. The aesthetic building dates back to the early modern period.
- Many Czech pubs and breweries will partake in the Days of Czech Beer event that is set to last until Sept. 30 and includes Sept. 28.
- Sept. 28 will see Prague Zoo celebrate the 93rd anniversary of its opening. This time, the all-day program in the presence of special guests will be in the style of the 1950s.
- A collection of the Czech Crown Jewels will be exhibited at Prague Castle. The exhibition will be held in the Vladislav Hall of the Old Royal Palace from Sept. 17 to 30, 2024.
- Visitors will be able to look into the Ceremonial Hall, the Presidential Lounge, and above all into the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the open day of the National Memorial in Vítkov.
OCTOBER OPEN DAYS
- On Oct. 28, you can visit for free the National Museum; the Straka Academy; the Senate of the Czech Parliament; and the National Museum of Agriculture in Prague.
- The City of Prague's open day takes place this year on Oct. 28. The annual event allows the public access to several of the city's most beautiful and historic buildings from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year visitors can peek inside the Mayor's Residence, the Škoda lounges, and the New Town Hall.
- Oct. 28 will also see members of the public able to visit the Municipal House and the Czech Senate, the upper house of the Czech government.
- You'll also be able to see the Liechtenstein Palace for free on Oct. 28, as well as the building of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Czech government.
NOVEMBER OPEN DAYS
- The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day in November will see the Hrzánský palác (Hrzán Palace) and the National Agriculture Museum open its doors to the public for free.
- On Nov. 17, you can visit all buildings of the National Museum for free as well as the National Gallery and the same exhibitions as on Oct. 28. The Kramář villa is also open.
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Holidays when large shops must close
- New Year's Day
- Easter Monday
- May 8: Liberation from Fascism
- Sept. 28: Czech Statehood Day (St. Wenceslas)
- Oct. 28: Establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic
- Dec. 24: Christmas Eve (after noon)
- Dec. 25: Christmas
- Dec. 26: Christmas/Boxing Day
Holidays when large shops stay open
- Good Friday
- May 1: Labor Day
- July 5: Cyril and Methodius Day
- July 6: Jan Hus Day
- Nov. 17: Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy
- Dec. 24: Christmas Day (until noon)
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