Celebrate Easter in the Czech Republic with something old and something new

Celebrate the last of the winter snow and the first green chutes of spring with a special Easter break in the Czech Republic. If you look forward to celebrating Easter then there are many different ways to do it traditionally or unconventionally. You can take the opportunity for you and your kids to craft your own original souvenir at one of the traditional markets. Those who prefer peace and relaxation will welcome one of the special rejuvenating spa packages. Or would you like to try slightly different ways of celebrating Easter? In that case we would like to invite you to a special celebration in a wine cellar. This Easter the Czech Republic has something for everyone.

Travel in time at Prerov nad Labem

Some Czech Easter customs might be a little surprising to visitors. Young girls decorate Easter eggs to gift to the boys and the lads in return pleat a pomlazka, a special cane made of young willow branches and decorated with ribbons, which they then gently dab the girls with. This custom is by no means intended to harm, on the contrary, it symbolises rejuvenation. You will be able to taste traditional Czech Easter baking such as hot cross-buns, lamb-shaped sponge cake or beautifully decorated ginger bread. Visit www.czechspecials.cz to find the perfect restaurant where you can tantalise your taste buds with Czech culinary treats of all kinds.

Travel several centuries back on your visit to the open air museum in Prerov nad Labem which is only 40km away from Prague. While you listen to live folk music you can either taste the Easter lamb-shaped sponge cake or get hands-on and bake your own ginger bread. Later on back home you can surprise your loved ones with an original gift which can be either your very own hand-made pomlazka or a beautifully decorated Easter egg. (www.prerovnl.cz)

Learn about the Czech customs at Easter markets

In order to truly appreciate the atmosphere of the Czech Easter then the traditional markets are not to be missed. The most popular markets in Prague take place at the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Peace Square (Náměstí Míru). The markets will run from March 24 until April 15 and there will be an enjoyable cultural programme accompanying the market at the Old Town Square in particular.

Czech castles and chateaus also come to life with Easter markets, craft workshops and craft demonstrations over the Easter weekend. Both children and adults will be able to try painting and decorating Easter eggs, pleating pomlazkas as well as some of the crafts. There will be a special train taking visitors from Prague to Krivoklat Castle. (www.krivoklat.cz) The Castle of Zleby invites visitors to special Easter guided tours with a programme for the whole family. It also promises a unique opportunity to taste some specialities of the castle kitchen. (www.zamek-zleby.cz)

Enjoy festive music experience

Easter concerts will be taking place in concert halls, churches and monasteries all over the Czech Republic. The Moravian capital of Brno will be hosting the Easter festival of sacred music. During the festival it will be possible to listen to six compositions each originating from a different century in six different churches within the city. The festival brings each of these unique compositions to the most appropriate venue delivering an unforgettable experience for the audience. (www.filharmonie-brno.cz)

Prague invites visitors to its Prague Easter Festival which will feature music from famous Czech composers, such as Antonin Dvorak and Gustav Mahler, in the ornate concert halls of the Municipal House, Rudolfinum or the Church of St. Simon and Juda. (www.fok.cz) There will be more Easter concerts in the historic building of Klementinum. (www.klementinum.com)

A relaxing and unconventional Easter

There is a plethora of special Easter spa packages being offered by hotel and spa houses around the country. The health and spa procedures at the renowned spa town of Podebrady can be combined with a special Easter concert and gala evening with live music. You can indulge both in relaxation and culture at the same time. (www.lazne-podebrady.cz)

A dedicated Easter programme also awaits visitors in Valtice’s underground wine cellars. You can welcome the Easter here with a glass of delicious Moravian wine or taste local culinary specialities in the labyrinth of these ancient wine cellars. Valtice is the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Lednice-Valtice complex which is ideal for a spring cycling trip. (www.wineofczechrepublic.cz)

CzechTourism is a state-funded agency of the Ministry for Regional Development. Its main activity is to promote the Czech Republic as an attractive tourist destination. More information is available at http://scandinavia.czechtourism.com.