Weekends and Holidays

Enjoying the Down Time – Czech Weekend and Holidays, Be Prepared
When living in or visiting the Czech Republic one will want to wind down and take a break. Just like elsewhere in the world the Czech Republic works a nine to five, five day a week work schedule. Getting up in the morning, going to work or school, coming home and talking about their day and even longing for those long house and personal time that make everything worth it. But when are these personal days, holidays, school vacations and more? When can I expect to relax and what restrictions are there when I do?

Weekends
Let’s start off by talking about the weekends. Those glorious house after Five O’clock on Friday till those early hours on Monday morning. In the Czech Republic the majority of the stores, banks and pharmacies shut down. This is their time to rest, relax and prepare for the week ahead. In larger communities however shopping centers and hospitals are open and available for business.

School Holidays
When it comes to school every minute you are sitting there listening to a teacher, taking a test or staring at the clock is an eternity for a child. When the heat starts to rise and the visions of swimming in the pool and playing with their friends begin to creep in the last thing a child wants to do is stay in school. In the Czech Republic children and teachers alike can enjoy summer vacation starting on July 1st and fear the dread of returning on August 31st.

Public Holidays
When it comes to holidays however the big ones are the public holidays. These are the days that everyone gets a day off and the way the republic works changes for just a few hours. The Czech Republic has thirteen public holidays.

These holidays are:
January 1st – Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State, New Year’s Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday
May 1st – Labour Day
May 8th – Liberation Day
July 5th – Saints Cyril and Methodius Day
July 6th – Jan Hus Day
September 28th – St. Wenceslas Day (Czech Statehood Day)
October 28th – Independent Czechoslovak State Day
November 17th – Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day
December 24th – Christmas Eve
December 25th – Christmas Day
December 26th – St. Stephen’s Day
On these days you are expected to spend time with friends, family and other loved ones. It is a time to sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labors. When these days do roll around however there are a few things that you do need to know and plan for.

Getting Money
When we have a holiday and want to go out and enjoy ourselves we will want to spend money. Of course you can always use a credit or debit card but sometimes you will want those purchases made with cash. The easiest thing to do is to grab some cash the day before the holiday. This makes life simplest but if you were busy or forget don’t worry because Bureaux de change operates on these days as well as ATM Machines.

Food
When it comes to food there is no fear. Supermarkets and shopping centers are open. They are even eager to get your business since during the week many people are working instead of shopping. Bars, Restaurants and other establishments are open as well. The one thing that you don’t have to worry about is getting hungry and looking for a place to eat.

Medical Assistance
When it comes to getting medical assistance don’t fear your Dr. won’t be on the Golf Course. Well maybe he will be but there will always be someone available to help. You will just need to visit local hospitals to get your medical attention. Smaller offices and clinics may be closed but you will always have help if you need it.
When it comes to holidays both public and private the Czech Republic operates similarly to other countries around the world. If visiting or living there it may take a little getting used to but after a short time you will catch on. The best piece of advice I can give you however is to plan ahead. Make sure that you have everything you need stocked up and prepared for those special days we all love when they arrive and dread when their gone.