Masopust is the traditional Czech carnival celebration. The word “masopust” comes from the Old Czech and means “meat fast”. People wear masks, dress up in costumes, celebrate the start of spring, fertility and give farewell to winter.
Masopust is a moveable feast day and the last chance to feast before Easter Lent, the 40 weekdays and six Sundays preceding Easter.
Most elaborate parades and major celebrations take place the last three days of the Mardi Gras season.
When is masopust celebrated in 2026?
Fat Thursday: 12 February 2026
Carnival Sunday: 15 February 2026
Carnival Monday: 16 February 2026
Shrove Tuesday: 17 February 2026
Ash Wednesday: 18 February 2026
A ceremonial processions of human and animal costumed characters such as devils, cow herders, farmers, goats, sheep, dogs, pigs go from house to house, where they receive food and drink. Masopust celebrations in Prague include mask parades,dancing in the streets, singing, noise making, feasting and drinking. A vigorous Mardi Gras celebration takes place in Žižkov, in Jiřího z Poděbrad square. The biggest carnival event is the festival Carnevale Praha (the Prague Carnival), which is held in downtown Prague. To see dates, times, venues, locations, and the programme of carnival celebrations, explore “what´s on” section.
Mardi Gras Celebrations at Little Quarter
14. 2. 2026 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., beginning in Loretanska street, at Black Ox Inn pub
The traditional masopust celebrations at the Little Quarter begin at Loretanske square and finish at Kampa. Participants in masks meet at 1 p.m. - 1.30 p.m. in front of the Black Ox Inn (U Černého vola). Masks will then stop at pubs, restaurants and shops located on Nerudova, Thunovská, Mostecka streets and Malostranske square. The carnival procession will reach Kampa around 4 p.m. Find out more on Facebook or the website below.
sopmsh.estranky.cz
Mardi Gras Karlin - Masopust celebrations at Karlin square
7. 2. 2026 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The 23rd year of the traditional Karlín Carnival will take place on Karlin Square on February 7, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Karlin square will host a market, where you can buy delicious snacks such as pork specialities, cakes, donuts, pies and sausages. Visitors can enjoy great activities for children, music and dance performances, masks procession, traditional mardi gras food and unique atmosphere. The procession of masks sets off from Kaizel gardens and heads to Karlin square. The main programme is held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Karlin square.
ddmpraha.cz
Mardi Gras Celebrations at Letna
24.1. 2026 from 10.00 a.m. - 5 p.m.
All visitors are cordially invited to enjoy the traditional Mardi Gras celebrations at Letná on January 24, 2026. There is an entertaining programme for children and adults including theatre performance, music and dancing. The Letna Carnival offers a carnival game, stilt walkers, music, theatre performances and traditional carnival treats, such as fried donuts, pork specialties, sausages, bacon and spirits. The carnival parade of masks will also go through the cultural institutions - the National Technical Museum, the Museum of Agriculture, Letka Club, Letenska vodarna, Scarabeus Gallery, the Coffee Museum. Masks are welcomed and have a free entrance. From 2.00 p.m. visitors can enjoy music, theater performances for children and adults and tours at the National Museum of Agriculture. Children can look forward to a fairy tale, a carnival quiz trail, art and craft workshops or roasting sausages.
www.facebook.com/letenskymasopust
www.nzm.cz
Masopust na Desítce – Masopust in Prague 10
14. 2. 2026 from 14:00 to 17:00 – Nám. Svatopluka Čecha, Vzlet (Holandská 1)
On Saturday, February 14th, Masopust celebrations will begin at Svatopluka Čecha Square, offering refreshments and a lively festive atmosphere. Live music and colourful masqueraders will set the tone before a vibrant parade through Vršovice, passing by Vzlet and returning to the square, where the procession will culminate in bonfires, spontaneous merriment, and feasting. The celebrations continue in the evening at Vzlet, with a high-energy Masopust afterparty filled with Balkan beats and world music, featuring Circus Brothers and Malalata, promising an unforgettable night of rhythm, dance, and joy.
praha10.cz/masopust
Žižkov Mardi Gras Celebrations
7. 2. 2026 - from 12 p.m. - Jiřího z Poděbrad + more locations
On February 7, 2026, from 12:00 pm, the 31st annual Žižkov Mardi Gras will animate Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, Atrium Žižkov, Čajkovského Street and Radost Park with a lively neighborhood celebration for all ages. This popular winter festival features a colorful masked parade, theatre, live music, crafts, children’s activities and traditional Mardi Gras food and drinks, including a special carnival beer and soft drinks for kids. The main carnival procession sets off at 4:00 pm from Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, accompanied by the Lovesong Orchestra, winds its way through the streets of Žižkov, symbolically claims the key to the district at the town hall, and continues on to Radost Park, where the programme concludes with a final theatrical performance, the announcement of the most interesting masks and a concert by Trombenik. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can enjoy workshops, performances and stalls across the venues. Admission is free, and the full programme is available on Facebook and the Prague 3 website.
www.praha3.cz
Kyjský masopust
8.2.2026 from 13:30 - KD Kyje + more locations
On 8 February 2026, the Kyje Carnival (Kyjský masopust) invites families and visitors to celebrate traditional Czech carnival customs with a day full of fun for both children and adults; the program starts at 13:30 with a children’s workshop for mask making, face painting and cheerful competitions, followed by a pirate fairy tale at 15:00 and a masopust parade with masks and musicians at 16:00, while Restaurant Šimanda will serve a special carnival menu and there will be stalls with sweets, refreshments and small gifts—bring a mask and good spirits and enjoy the carnival traditions together, free admission.
www.facebook.com/events/1785229415359081
Carnival celebrations (Masopust) at Ctěnice Castle Area
31. 1. 2026 od 10:00 do 16:00, Muzeum hlavního města Prahy – Zámecký areál Ctěnice
On 31 January 2026, the Ctěnice Masopust brings traditional Czech carnival celebrations to the castle grounds with an authentic pig slaughter presentation by butcher Hudera & syn, plenty of classic treats including fresh doughnuts, koláče, gingerbread, grilled cheeses, juicy burgers, local beer and mulled wine, live folk music and dance by the Horačky ensemble and a colourful masked parade; families can enjoy a rich programme including a puppet show Matěj a čerti by divadlo LokVar, a juggler’s show and workshop, stilt walkers and more—admission 100 CZK (reduced for youth and seniors, free for children under 7).
www.muzeumprahy.cz
Kbely Carnival
7.2. 2026, from 1:30 PM
The Kbely Carnival will feature a traditional parade, a competition for the best children’s, adult, and group costumes, and music for listening and dancing performed by the Brass Bombers. Throughout the afternoon, you can purchase carnival treats from the local butcher Černý in Central Park.
Event Program:
1:30 PM: Gathering of masks and parade permission (Central Park Kbely)
Nouzovské Square: Dancing with the bear
Central Park Kbely: Execution of the mare and announcement of the best mask
3:30 PM: Čert a Káča Theater for children
For more information and the parade map, visit the Facebook event or www.krc-cobydup.cz
Letňany Mardi Gras celebrations
24.1.2026 from 10.30 a.m
The district of Prague 18 invites visitors to the traditional Masopust celebrations, which will begin with a mask reunion in front of the town hall and continue with a parade of masks through Letňany to the Stará náves, where the main program takes place (11:30 Pražští pardálové , 11:40 Strapražští pardálové, 12:10 competition for children, 12:40 Fairy-tale for children, 1:40 p.m. announcement of the competition for the most beautiful mask, 2:50 p.m. Holokrci band). Visitors can look forward to pork feasts, refreshments, and pony rides are prepared for our little ones. Find out more on Facebook or website.
www.letnany.cz
Masopust in Ďáblice
7.2. 2026 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The procession of the masks starts at 2 pm from the Ďáblice Municipal House at Osinalická 1104/13. Masks of all kinds are welcome! The event includes a rich accompanying program and pig-slaughter feast.
dablice.cz
Jihoměstský masopust, KC Zahrada, South City Prague
7.2. 2026 from 2.30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
A popular procession of masks sets off at 3.30 p.m. and takes the usual route from Opatov metro stop, over Central park to KC Matka Tereza. The cost of the event 120 Kč and masks are welcome. A program at KC of Mother Teresa follows after the parade. From 3:10 p.m., competitions and fun programme for children and adults.
www.kczahrada.cz
Masopustní maškarní průvod, roh ulice Bělohorská a pod Královkou, Břevnovský klášter
17.2. 2026 16:00 - 20:00
The 32nd Břevnov Carnival Parade will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, beginning at 4 PM with masked participants gathering at 3:45 PM near Moje Kredenc on the corner of Pod Královkou and Bělohorská Streets, and will wind through Břevnov to the historic monastery, featuring music, jugglers, stilt walkers and even live llamas, followed by the tapping of a special carnival beer and traditional Czech food, children’s gifts and entertainment, and awards for the best masks—offering a lively celebration of the Masopust (Mardi Gras) tradition before Lent.
www.spolekbrevnovskychzivnostniku.cz
