Spring is coming: dates announced for Prague Easter markets

The first spring market will open in Prague’s center on Wednesday. Praguers and visitors to the capital can visit the spring market at náměstí Republiky on March 9–27, 2022. Vendors will offer spring-themed goods and refreshments.

At the same time, Easter markets are being planned and should open at more locations at the start of April. Most farmers markets have also reopened after their winter pause.

The spring market is another sign of life returning to normal as the Covid pandemic recedes. Christmas markets were canceled at the end of last year due to the pandemic, though some still took place anyway re-labeled cultural markets.

At the spring market at náměstí Republiky, spaces for 19 vendors will be decorated with flowers. People will be able to find decorated Easter eggs including ones made from wood, other wooden décor, ceramics, spring plants, and tablecloths and blankets with floral motifs.

There will also be traditional food delicacies such as palačinky (pancakes), Czech sausages, roasted almonds, pirohy (stuffed dumplings), and, among other things, varenyky – sweet and savory filled dough pockets.

This year, for Roman Catholics and others who follow the Gregorian calendar, Easter Sunday falls on April 17 in 2022, making the traditional Czech Easter Monday on April 18. For the Orthodox, who follow the Julian calendar, Easter falls on April 24.

“We believe that there will also be Easter markets, which should take place in the Old Town Square and náměstí Republiky from April 2 to 24,” Tietze said.

More Easter markets, organized by other operators, should open as well. One has been announced for náměstí Míru, slated to run April 2–18.

The Easter markets will offer many of the same items as the spring market, plus traditional Easter items like the woven “pomlázka” willow twig whip, wooden noisemakers, and traditional lamb-shaped cakes.

Czech Health Minister Vlastimil Válek in mid-February said that he hopes this Easter will be celebrated as normal, after two years with heavy restrictions that forced the markets to stay closed. “Prepare Easter eggs so that we can finally enjoy a normal Easter,” Válek said.