Prague Masopust to Take Place February 16-22

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 during the last three days of the Mardi Gras season.

When is masopust celebrated in 2023? 

Fat Thursday, 16. 2. 2023
Shrove Sunday 19. 2. 2023
Shrove Monday 20. 2. 2023
Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), 21.2. 2023 

Ceremonial processions of human and animal costumed characters such as devils, cow herders, farmers, goats, sheep, dogs, and 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.

Mardi Gras Celebrations at Little Quarter 2023 – 18. 2. 2023 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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.

Mardi Gras Karlin 2023 – Masopust celebrations at Karlin square – 18.02.2023

The 19th year of the traditional Karlín Carnival will take place on Karlin Square on Saturday, February 26, 2023, from 12 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 at 1 p.m. and heads to Karlin square. The main programme is held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Karlin square.

Mardi Gras Celebrations at Letna 2023 – 18. 2. 2023 from 12.30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

All visitors are cordially invited to enjoy the traditional Mardi Gras celebrations at Letná on February 18, 2023. There is an entertaining program for children and adults including theatre performances, 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.

Carnival masks made of papier-mâché – Workshop at Strídačka, Holešovice – 18.2. 2023 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

At Strídačka, you can create colorful carnival masks with the use of the papier-mâché technique – processing old paper. You cannot be missed in the carnival procession in a mask made of Papier-mâché… You will learn how to create objects from the papier-mâché at home. The workshop is intended for anyone aged from 8 to 99 and children under 10 years should be accompanied by parents.

Mardi Gras Celebrations at Ctěnice Castle Area 2023 – 12. 2. 2022 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Masopust celebrations at Ctěnice offer a carnival parade, music, cheerful atmosphere as well as traditional donuts, hot cider and mead. Kids can enjoy art workshops or and face painting. Entrance to the outdoor event is free of charge.

Masopust in Ďáblice – 18.2. 2023 from 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.

Masopust parade at Břevnov, a corner of “Bělohorská” and “Pod Královkou” streets – 1.3. 2022 from 4 p.m. – Masquerade parade

The masquerade procession starts from the “Moje Kredenc” shop and heads to the Břevnov monastery. Refreshments will be available.

Žižkov Mardi Gras Celebrations – 18.2.2023

Žižkov carnival celebrations include a traditional parade of masks and a great program for both kids and adults. The carnival parade usually starts at Jiriho z Podebrad square, continues to Havličkovo square and ends at Viktoria Žižkov football arena.

Then a horse carriage, musicians, artists, giant puppets of angels or pigs set off to request a “key” from the Žižkov Townhall. All participants can enjoy traditional specialities and goodies.

Masopust in Kyje – 19.2. 2023

The Kyje Carnival procession sets off from the KD Kyje at 2 p.m. Competitions, roasting of sausages and a special carnival menus are available for adults and children. There will be many stops on the route around Kyjsky pond with refreshments and small rewards for children’s participants in masks.