Masopust, also known locally as Fašank or Carnival, is the period between Lent, Christmas, and Easter, during which the Bohemian lands have long celebrated dance parties, feast days, and weddings.
It is a time when the poor and the rich, the residents of villages and cities, come together to celebrate. The fun and indulgence reach their peak at the end of Carnival—from Sunday to Tuesday—with a parade and an evening dance party to wrap it all up.
The tradition of Carnival is particularly strong in the countryside, but parades also take place in Prague every year at this time. This year, the highlight of Carnival begins on Saturday, 1 March, with numerous events and ends on Ash Wednesday, 5 March, marking the start of the 40-day fasting period leading up to Easter.
Karlínský Masopust
Saturday, 1 March, Kaizlovy sady, Karlínské náměstí
The 22nd annual carnival this year is themed around animals, so visitors are encouraged to arrive wearing a stylish animal mask or costume. The event starts at 1:00 PM at Kaizlovy sady, from where it will continue to Karlínské náměstí. There, visitors will find a stage programme, stilt walkers, theatre performances, competitions, carnival workshops, and, of course, stalls offering carnival treats, speciality foods, both sweet and savoury pastries, as well as other food and drinks.
Malostranský Masopust
Saturday, 1 March, Malá Strana, Kampa
Once again this year, a carnival parade with masks and live music will take place, starting from Loretánské náměstí and making its way through Malá Strana to Kampa. The parade begins at 1:00 PM, with several “acclimatisation stops” along the way, and is expected to arrive at Kampa around 4:00 PM. The celebrations will continue with musical performances, theatrical sketches, and further entertainment until 7:00 PM.
Žižkovský Masopust
Saturday, 1 March, Radost Park, Čajkovského Street
The 30th anniversary of Žižkovský Masopust will begin at 3:00 PM with a parade in Radost Park. At 3:45 PM, participants will join the route Siwiecova – Vlkova – Seifertova Crossroad – Milíčova – Štítného – Havlíčkovo náměstí – Lupáčova – Táboritská Crossroad – Ondříčkova Crossroad to Čajkovského Street, ending at the Atrium Žižkov. The accompanying programme includes an acrobatics show with giant masks, a competition for the best mask at 5:00 PM, and a concert by the Funeral Band, offering a unique mix of folk, reggae, hip-hop, Roma music, and punk.
Carnival Parade through Horní Počernice
Saturday, 1 March, Chvalský Castle
The Masopustní Parade—or the parade from the theatre to Chvalský Castle—featuring traditional and non-traditional masks, lively music, and a horse-drawn carriage escort, starts at 2:00 PM. The masks in the parade will be rewarded with a “deadly” meal on the return journey, and children will receive a sweet reward. Warm refreshments will be available at the Chvalský Castle destination.
Carnival Celebrations in Modřany
Sunday, 2 March, Sofijské náměstí, Viniční domek
Participants in the carnival parade will meet at 10:00 AM at Sofijské náměstí, with the parade starting at 10:15 AM, accompanied by live music, heading towards Viniční domek. Cholupicer firemen in historical costumes will lead the way. The parade route will go from Sofija Square, through the underpass beneath Čs. Exil street, along Československého Exil street, through the flood park, and then via the streets of Vojtova – Karasova – Chuchelská to the wine house. The entertainment programme will run until 4:00 PM.
Břevnovský Masopust
Tuesday, 4 March, Bělohorská Street, near Břevnov Monastery
This is the final opportunity to enjoy the carnival atmosphere before the start of Lent and Easter. At 4:00 PM, the Mayor of Prague 6 will grant carnival rights to the masks at the corner of Pod Královkou/Bělohorská Street, and the parade will proceed, accompanied by musicians and the masks, with enthusiastic cheers from participants along Bělohorská Street to the Břevnov Monastery.
