What is life like in the Czech Republic?

Festivals and public holidays

Every year, the Czech Republic observes several historical and religious public holidays namely:

• January 1st ' New Year
• Easter Monday
• May 1st ' Labour Day
• May 8 ' 1945 Liberation Day
• July 5 ' St Cyril and St Method Day
• July 6 ' Commemoration of the death of Jan Hus (allegory of the struggle against Catholic, imperial and German oppression)
• September 28 ' St Wenceslas (patron of Bohemia)
• October 28 ' Republic Foundation Day
• November 17 ' Commemoration of the Velvet Revolution
• December 24, 25 and 26 ' Christmas

Some other events such as the Prague Spring Festival, which is an international music festival, is held in the second half of May. In June and July, you will witness the International Folklore Festival in Stránice and the International Film Festival in Karlovy held every two years. The Grand Prix, a popular motorbike race, is held in August. In fact, there is always something going on in the country all year long.

Local cuisine

The Czech cuisine is heavily inspired by the Germanic and Balkan cuisines. Dishes are usually rich and very often accompanied by heavy cream and eaten without bread. Traditional dishes prepared during religious festivals are even more abundant and often artistically crafted and themed.

While traditionally the local cuisine consists of meat in gravy, rich toppings, beer, pork, potatoes, butter, and cream, this does not mean that you won't be able to find lighter dining options. Most restaurants will serve less caloric alternatives alongside original dishes/

One of the most popular Czech snacks consists of a sausage known as vurt, a slice of wholemeal bread and a layer of mustard. Among the other Czech specialities, you have the knedlíky (made of flour, eggs, yeast, and stale bread), vepÅo-knedlo-zelo (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut), smažený sýr (deep fried cheese served with fries), and more.

Dobrou chut! (Enjoy your meal !)

In addition to the rich national cuisine, the Czech Republic hosts a large number of international restaurants and fast food chains ' in case you are looking for something familiar. McDonald's, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, and others can be found in the country's major cities. As for local fast food, Havelská Koruna is a popular option for a hearty Czech meal on a budget.

Drinks

Beer is, by far, the most popular drink in the Czech Republic. In fact, the country is often cited as the biggest beer consumer in the world. Known as the homeland of pilsner (a type of pale lager), the country is a popular destination for beer drinkers from all over Europe. Local restaurants, cafes, and clubs serve nearly 500 types of beer including brown, blond, white, etc. Wine is also an essential part of the national culture, especially the Bohemian wine. South Moravia is also a region noted for its Riesling wines.

Family

The Czech greatly value family ties. Parents, children, and grandchildren always find the time to catch up and family dinners are part of the traditional lifestyle. And, despite modernisation and considerable changes over the years, families still hold a significant importance in the life of Czechs.

Languages

Czech is spoken throughout the whole country, varying with a particular accent or dialect from one region to another. The language uses the Latin alphabet and is quite similar to the Slovak language ' it's not one of the easiest languages to learn ' but Czech citizens are very friendly toward those who are eager to learn their language so they will speak slower and do their best to meet you half way.

Useful links:

Czech Official Travel Site
Czech Republic Official Portal ' Customs and traditions