Fests, protests, and love: 8 ways to enjoy last-minute May Day fun in Prague

Labor Day has been observed internationally on May 1 since 1890, following a decision by the Second International to commemorate an 1886 workers’ strike in Chicago.

In the Czech lands, the first celebration took place the same year on Střelecký ostrov in Prague. Political parties gather there each year to give speeches; while protests also take place.

While the holiday's roots are connected to labor, the day is also, for many Czechs, a celebration of love.

Though other countries, including Italy, observe May 1 as a day for romance, the Czech tradition of kissing specifically under a blossoming tree (especially a cherry tree) for good luck, beauty, and long-lasting love is quite distinct.

The tradition is influenced by the 19th-century romantic poem Máj (May) by Karel Hynek Mácha, and couples gather around his statue in Prague's Petřín Park to pay tribute.

This year is no exception, though you will have to hike up the hill to access Petřín's blossoms. Here are some other ways to mark May Day in 2026.

In Prague, the main focus of the day is Střelecký Island, where a range of political and civic groups are scheduled to gather.

Communist Party (KSČM) representatives are expected in the morning, alongside Social Democrats, trade union groups marking 136 years since the first Labor Day, and an anarchist picnic.

At noon, associations linked to the Antifascist Action movement, including the Anarchist Federation, plan a demonstration on the island followed by a march through the city center toward Smíchov where the annual AFA Fest will be held.

The festival includes live concerts, film screenings, and discussions. Musical performances feature punk, hardcore punk, and other underground genres, alongside talks and documentaries connected to anti-fascist activism. The event marks 30 years since the founding of Antifascist Action in the Czech Republic.

Authorities have also noted clashes are possible with the confirmed presence of individuals from the far-right scene. Filip Vávra, a far-right activist and self-described neo-Nazi, said on social media he plans to attend at noon.

Police said they will monitor the gatherings, deploying officers from public order, traffic and criminal units, as well as members of the anti-conflict team.

Beyond politics, May 1 in Czechia is traditionally the Day of Love, with the main custom taking place on Petřín Hill, where couples kiss under blooming cherry or sakura trees said to bring love, beauty and youth for the year ahead. Tribute is paid at the statue of Romantic poet Karel Hynek Mácha, author of the poem Máj (“May”), to lay flowers and pay tribute, located in the park.

Note: The Petřín funicular remains closed due to reconstruction, with access available on foot via nearby routes. Here's how to access via public transport.

Across the city, several additional "love" events are taking place. Dermacol Love Day transforms Havlíčkovy sady into a festival space with concerts, workshops, and family programming.

For film lover, indie cinema Bio Oko transforms inside and out Friday for the neighborhood festival celebrating May Day, with all-day film programming in the cinema hall, outdoor bar, food from Letná's Sushi Otokomae and The Boršč, bazaar stalls, and workshops.

United Islands of Prague opens on Štvanice Island and in city clubs, presenting more than 100 emerging acts from across Europe and the Czech Republic. The three-day program spans open-air stages and evening club performances, with artists including British indie-rock trio Bilk, Irish electro-noise group Yard and Dutch singer Min Taka. Entry is free, with voluntary contributions available.

May 1 sees First Beer May at Břevnov Monastery in Prague 6, featuring around 80 types of beer from Czech and Moravian microbreweries, along with food stalls, wine, live music, and family-friendly activities. And also on May Day, Veggie Náplavka offers one of Europe’s largest open-air vegan food markets.

In western Czechia, Pilsen begins its six-day Freedom Festival, commemorating the city’s liberation by U.S. forces at the end of World War II. The festival, held annually since 1990, includes military history camps, concerts, commemorative events, and exhibitions.

This year’s program features two U.S. veterans, Joseph Thurmond, 100, and Gideon Kantor, 101. The festival will culminate on Sunday with the Convoy of Liberty, featuring about 300 pieces of historical military equipment, including tanks, vehicles and flyovers by restored aircraft.