Witches' Eve – How Czechs Burn Winter and Welcome Spring

Imagine this: twilight on April 30, and in Prague’s parks and squares, pyres of wood rise higher than a person. At their peak sits a straw effigy of a witch. As night falls, flames shoot upward, and crowds—children in witch costumes, adults holding skewers of sausages and mugs of beer—cheer together as thick smoke billows from the fire. According to legend, every puff of smoke signifies another witch ascending into the sky.

Welcome to Witches' Eve (Čarodějnice), the most magical event on the Czech calendar. If you plan to visit Prague at the turn of April and May, you’ve timed your trip perfectly. And if you want to feel the city deeply—not just through the lens of one night—check out Ceska Praga, where you’ll find guided tours in Polish to every corner of the Czech capital.

Where Did It Come From? History Rooted in Paganism

The ritual dates back to pagan religions on the lands of today’s Czech Republic. Slavs created an effigy symbolizing the goddess Morana—the embodiment of winter and death—then burned her, scattering her ashes into the water to signal that winter was over and spring had arrived.

Over the centuries, the tradition blended with Christian beliefs. In Czech, the holiday is known by several names: čarodějnice, pálení čarodějnic (burning of the witches), and filipojakubská noc (St. Philip and St. Jacob’s Night). In German, it is called Walpurgisnacht, the eve of St. Walpurga’s Day.

St. Walpurga, born an English noblewoman in the early 8th century, became a nun, moved to Germany, and played a key role in the Christianization of the Germanic peoples. Germans believed that witches gathered annually on the Brocken—the highest peak of the Harz Mountains—to exchange black magic. To ward them off, people lit large bonfires intended to scare away the flying witches and all evil spirits. According to old beliefs, it was wise to carry a flower of the fern or consecrated chalk on this night—essentially, a medieval protective charm.

Prague is a city that absorbs stories like a sponge. Its alleys, towers, and bridges have long attracted legends. If you want to discover the darker, more mysterious side of the city, a Prague Legends tour is exactly what you’re looking for. Witches' Eve is the perfect moment to combine ancient myths with lively, contemporary celebration.

How Was It Celebrated in the Past?

Olden celebrations were no joke. Centuries ago, it was believed that at midnight on April 30, witches flew to sabbaths. To protect themselves, people lit large bonfires to repel the flying witches and evil spirits.

A darker chapter of this history involves actual witch trials. One woman, Morawka Schuhová, was not a witch at all. She was accused after being caught hiding a communion wafer in her prayer book. As a result, she was burned at the stake alongside hundreds of other women during the North Moravian Witch Trials (1622–1696). Today, in their memory, the Witches’ Bike Trail runs through the Jeseníky Mountains.

How Is It Celebrated Today?

Fortunately, there is no real burning of humans. Czechs burn witches, but only straw ones. The event resembles the Slavic spring festival, similar to the Polish tradition of burning and drowning Marzanna—the symbol of the goddess of death and winter. Evening bonfires today are more like festivals than rituals, featuring dancing, costumes, local food, and communal celebration. It is also popular to jump over the flames, especially among the young.

Stalls are dominated by classics:

langoš – fried bread with savory or sweet toppings
frgál – a pastry covered with jam and crumbs
špekáček – sausage roasted on a stick over the fire
mulled wine and Czech beer – because, well, it is the Czech Republic

Old superstitions are still observed, though often with a wink. Legend says that if a young woman fails to find someone to kiss under a cherry tree before midnight on Witches' Eve, she will not know love for the entire year.

Where to Celebrate in Prague?

Witches' Eve always takes place on April 30. Events usually start between 15:00 and 17:00, with the climax of the bonfire lighting occurring after sunset—typically between 19:00 and 20:00. In case of drought or strong winds, Prague authorities may ban bonfires in parks and green spaces, so it’s always worth checking the latest information a few days before your trip.

🏆 Ladronka Park (Praha 6) — The City’s Biggest Party

Witches' Eve at Ladronka is a special event for St. Jacob’s Night. Every year on April 30, thousands of young and old witches and other magical creatures flock to this beloved Prague park. Admission is free.

It is the largest event of its kind in the capital, featuring concerts by well-known Czech bands, children’s zones, costume contests, and hundreds of food stalls. In 2026, performers will include SLZA and Tereza Balonová.

| | | |---|---| | 📅 Date | April 30, 2026, 12:00–21:00 | | 📍 Address | Ladronka Park, Tomanova, Praha 6 | | 🎟️ Admission | Free | | 🚃 Transport | Tram 6, 18, 22, 25, 32 → Vypich stop |

🌉 Malostranské čarodějnice — The Most Picturesque

The evening program begins with a spectacular witches’ parade, departing at 18:00 from Malostranské náměstí and proceeding through Mostecká street and Charles Bridge all the way to Kampa. Here, a true witches’ celebration erupts with musical performances, a fire show, and traditional sausage roasting.

If you had to choose one location for its atmosphere and scenery, this would be it. Lesser Town, Charles Bridge, and Kampa Park at twilight, illuminated by torchlight and accompanied by the sound of drums, is a sight you won’t forget. If you want to explore this part of Prague during the day with a Polish guide who will tell you about every tenement and alley, the Royal Prague tour leads right through the heart of historic Prague, including Lesser Town and Charles Bridge.

| | | |---|---| | 📅 Date | April 30, 2026, from 14:30 (Kampa Park) | | 📍 Address | Park on Kampa, Praha 1 | | 🎟️ Admission | Free | | 🚃 Transport | Tram → Malostranské náměstí |

🐟 Žluté lázně (Podolí) — Party by the Vltava

The popular riverside beach and club organizes a full-day family celebration, with a children’s program starting at 14:00 and an evening atmosphere by the water. The main event is the ceremonial bonfire lighting at 18:00.

| | | |---|---| | 📅 Date | April 30, 2026, from 15:00 | | 📍 Address | Žluté lázně, Podolské nábřeží, Praha 4 | | 🎟️ Admission | Free for children, 180 Kč for adults |

🏰 Břevnov Monastery — Witches with an Artisanal Twist

The Břevnov Business Association organizes an annual event with about twenty stalls—agricultural and artisanal markets, along with a wide range of regional delicacies and craft beers. Competitions and concerts take place throughout the day in the picturesque monastery grounds.

| | | |---|---| | 📅 Date | April 30, 2026, from 14:00 | | 📍 Address | Břevnov Monastery, Markétská 1, Praha 6 | | 🎟️ Admission | Free |

Practical Info Before You Go

Costume – Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Children in costumes often receive small gifts or discounts.
Cash – Many stalls still prefer cash payments.
Transport – Public transport runs without disruption, but return a bit earlier to avoid the crowds.
Timing – Arrive before sunset to secure a good spot near the bonfire.
Bonfires – In case of drought or strong winds, city authorities may ban fires in green spaces. Check announcements before your trip.

Prague Is More Than One Night

Witches' Eve is a great reason to visit Prague—but one thing is certain: one evening by the bonfire is not enough. Prague is a city discovered in layers: first Charles Bridge and Hradčany, then the alleys of Žižkov, the taste of trdelník, and the aroma of Czech beer in a five-hundred-year-old cellar.

If you are visiting for the first time, the Prague in a Nutshell tour is the best way to cover the main highlights in one day with a Polish guide who knows the city like the back of their hand. For those who want to go deeper—into legends, history, and places not mentioned on any signboards—we recommend the Prague Legends tour and Royal Prague, which follows the footsteps of kings and emperors through the most beautiful corners of the Old Town.

You can find the full range of Polish tours in Prague at Ceska Praga.

Witches' Eve is one of those holidays that shows how deeply rooted pagan traditions are in the culture—and how beautifully they can be celebrated without a hint of superstition, but with a full mug of beer and a sausage on a stick. If you are in Prague at the end of April, there is no excuse.

Grab your broomstick and join the party. 🧙‍♀️🔥