Czechia observes two national holidays this weekend: Will stores close?

Czechia will observe two public holidays this week: Saints Cyril and Methodius Day on Saturday, July 5, and Jan Hus Day on Sunday, July 6. But what impact will these holidays have on store openings and daily operations across the country?

In short, stores will generally remain open as usual. The Retail and Wholesale Sales Hours Act, which came into effect in 2016 and requires stores larger than 200 square meters to close on public holidays, does not apply to these particular days.

That said, store hours may vary since each retailer or supermarket can decide their own opening times, so some may choose to operate on a reduced schedule.

Many employees, especially those in office or white-collar jobs, will likely not have Friday off. Since Jan Hus Day falls on a Sunday, no substitute day off will be given on Monday, as Czech law does not provide a day off in lieu when holidays fall on weekends.

Saints Cyril and Methodius Day honors the two brothers who brought Christianity and created the Glagolitic alphabet, laying the foundation for the Cyrillic script and Slavic cultural heritage.

Jan Hus Day commemorates the Czech reformer Jan Hus, who challenged church corruption and promoted Bible access for all. Executed in 1415, his legacy inspired the Hussite movement and the Protestant Reformation.

As part of Jan Hus Day in 2025, the public will have one last opportunity to visit the historic Liechtenstein Palace (located on Kampa Island) for this year. Guided tours, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will showcase the 17th-century palace’s rich history and its current function as a government venue. Visitors can explore the interiors that have welcomed global dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II and Emperor Akihito during official state events and delegations.