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Sep 09, 2026
September 28 Holiday in Czechia: What Will Be Open and Closed
Prague Morning
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Czech Statehood Day falls on Monday, September 28, giving people across Czechia a three-day weekend. But anyone planning to shop should be aware that many large stores will be required to close.
The public holiday commemorates Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech lands and one of the most important figures in Czech history. September 28 has been observed as Czech Statehood Day since 2000 and is a statutory day off.
For shoppers, however, the key issue is the country’s restrictions on retail opening hours.
Which shops will be closed on September 28
Under Czech law, shops with a sales area of more than 200 square metres must close on September 28.
This means most large supermarkets, hypermarkets and shopping centres will not be able to operate as normal.
The restriction does not apply to all businesses. Smaller shops with a sales area of up to 200 square metres can remain open, although individual owners decide whether to operate during the holiday.
Some types of businesses are also exempt from the restrictions. These include pharmacies, petrol stations and shops located at airports and major railway stations.
Restaurants, cafés and most other services are not covered by the retail law and can therefore open according to their normal schedules or the decision of their operators.
People planning to use smaller independent shops should still check opening hours in advance. Many owners choose to close during public holidays, particularly when the holiday creates a long weekend.
Why is September 28 a public holiday
Czech Statehood Day is linked to Saint Wenceslas, the medieval ruler who became the patron saint of the Czech lands.
Wenceslas was the son of Duke Vratislav I and Drahomíra. His grandmother, Ludmila, who was later canonised, played a major role in his upbringing and is traditionally credited with influencing his Christian education.
Wenceslas is believed to have been killed in Stará Boleslav on September 28, either in 929 or 935, depending on the historical source.
His death turned him into a martyr and helped establish his lasting importance in Czech religious and national traditions.
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