Masopust, a centuries-old Czech carnival, marks the final celebration before the Lenten season.

The word itself, meaning “abandonment of meat,” signals the start of Lent, but the festival is about much more than fasting. It celebrates the arrival of spring, human and animal fertility, joy, and community spirit.

While Masopust runs for several weeks, the main festivities take place during the last three days. Key dates for 2026 are:

• Fat Thursday: February 12
• Shrove Sunday: February 15
• Shrove Monday: February 16
• Shrove Tuesday: February 17
• Ash Wednesday: February 18

Major Masopust Events in Prague

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

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.

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. More info here

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. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can enjoy workshops, performances and stalls across the venues.

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. More info here

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. More info here.

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. More info here

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