Easter in the Czech Republic

Easter in the Czech Republic is a festive time of year. Colorful decorated eggs and other traditions give everyone, including visitors, something to look forward to. Easter markets in Prague are set up in the weeks preceding the holiday, and if you visit Prague in March or in April, you'll be able to shop for traditional souvenirs. The appearance of the markets depends upon the date Easter will occur, so check your calendar beforehand to see if the markets will be in operation while you are in the Czech capital.

Czech Easter Eggs

Easter eggs from the Czech Republic are called kraslice and make special souvenirs for visitors to Prague. Kraslice welcome spring with their variety of colors and designs. Vendors who sell them will also offer egg crates to protect these traditional crafts so that you can take them safely home.

• Photos of Czech Easter eggs

Other Czech Easter Traditions

While girls make Easter eggs, boys make Easter whips, or pomlazka, which are made of willow branches and decorated with colorful ribbons. These are used to symbolically whip women and girls on Easter Monday as a way of driving away of ensuring the continuance of youth and beauty. Dousing members of the opposite sex is also a popular tradition for this day.

To wish someone “Happy Easter!” in Czech, you say Veselé Velikonoce!.