Easter markets to spring up across Prague starting this weekend

Easter markets in the heart of Prague will open this Saturday, bringing with them a burst of spring colors, traditional Czech delicacies, and a record number of performers from all over Europe. The main markets, held on Old Town and Wenceslas Square, will run from Saturday, March 16, to Sunday, April 7.

The markets will feature 73 sales stands on Old Town Square and 27 on Wenceslas Square, decorated with colorful bird and Easter egg motifs. A record 1,500 artists and artistic performers from around Europe will also feature at the Old Town and Wenceslas Square markets.

"These markets are one of the first signs of spring in our city, bringing with it traditions that belong to it," said Libor Votruba, chairman of the board of directors of Taiko, the Easter markets organizer.

"We wanted to create something unique and environmentally friendly, so we used a robotic 3D printer to produce ornamental motifs that were impossible [to do] with traditional technologies," explains Eva Poláčková from Decoled, the family company responsible for the decorations.

Organizers have also made efforts to make the markets more environmentally friendly than ever before. This year, they will use decorations made from recycled material and offer refreshments in fully decomposable cups and cutlery.

"These markets are not just about celebrating Easter and spring, but also about promoting environmental awareness and supporting local charities," adds Votruba.

Market visitors can also indulge in traditional Czech delicacies, including the popular Easter-themed green beer, Czech sausages, and Easter lamb. There will also be a variety of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs for sale, with proceeds going to different charity associations throughout the market.

The markets will also feature workshops with activities for children, musical performances (such as choirs and folk groups), outdoor theater, and chances to get involved in arts-and-crafts making. You can find a full program of events here.

As these markets open, Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda encourages everyone to enjoy the festivities while being kind: “It is a difficult time, we are troubled by many things, so please: let's be tolerant, let's treat each other decently and enjoy the holidays of resurrection and rebirth.”

On March 28, the new visitor season gets underway at castles, chateaux, and other monuments managed by the National Institute of Monuments, which includes Uherčice State Castle, the Lysice State Castle, and the Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau. Easter celebrations will take place at the cultural institutions; visitors can participate in guided tours of Easter-decorated interiors, as well as enjoy accompanying programs on Easter customs, creative workshops for children, and fairs.