St Martin’s Day Festival
The St Martin’s Day Festival takes place during the first couple of weeks of November. It is widely celebrated in the Czech Republic, and across many other areas of Western Europe. During this period, a variety of market stalls decorate the Old Town Square in Prague, serving traditional dishes such as baked goose and traditional wines.
The festival arose from the ‘Feast of St Martin’, historically held on 11th November, which saw people indulging in a hearty meal to prepare for the winter months fasting ahead. St Martin was a Saint of the Catholic Church, and although, to this day, many people do not participate in the fast, the festival is still celebrated across the Czech Republic to honour St Martin.
At various times though the festival St Martin can be seen riding through the Old Town Square on a white horse, signifying the time of the season when it is most likely to snow. This year’s festival is taking place from the 4th – 14th November. Visitors staying in Prague holiday apartments can visit the Old Town Square by taking the Metro line to Staromestská.
