Valentine’s Day vs. May Day.

Love and Romance in the Czech Republic: Read more and find out how these two holidays differ in their celebration and significance.

When it comes to celebrating love, every culture has its own traditions. In the Czech Republic, the globally recognized Valentine’s Day on February 14 plays a secondary role to a uniquely Czech holiday — May Day (První máj) on May 1.

VALENTINE’S DAY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC: A FOREIGN IMPORT

Valentine’s Day has been gaining popularity in the Czech Republic over the past few decades, primarily as a commercial holiday. Restaurants offer romantic menus, stores are filled with heart-shaped decorations, and couples exchange flowers, chocolates, and small gifts. However, its celebration is often viewed as artificial and commercialized, and many Czechs remain indifferent to the holiday.

For older generations or those who prefer traditional customs, Valentine’s Day is seen as a foreign import with little connection to Czech culture. While younger couples may embrace it as an excuse for a romantic dinner or gesture, it’s far from a universally cherished event.

 

MAY DAY: A CZECH CELEBRATION OF LOVE AND SPRING

In contrast, První máj holds a special place in Czech hearts as a day of love and the arrival of spring. This tradition has deep roots, blending historical and literary influences with natural symbolism.

 

The poet Karel Hynek Mácha played a significant role in shaping the holiday’s romantic atmosphere. His famous poem Máj (máj is the old name for květen – May) begins with the iconic line, “It was late evening — the first of May — the time of love’s yearning.” (Byl pozdní večer, první máj, večerní máj byl lásky čas). Czech singers group “Support Lesbiens” sings this poem, you can play it here.

 

THE CHERRY BLOSSOM KISS TRADITION 🌸💋

One of the most cherished May Day traditions in the Czech Republic is couples sharing a kiss under a cherry tree. According to folklore, this ensures that a woman will remain beautiful and healthy throughout the year. Parks, gardens, and any spot with cherry blossoms become favorite destinations for couples on this day.

COMPARISON OF LOVE HOLIDAYS FROM THE CZECH PERSPECTIVE

Which one should you celebrate?

If you’re living in the Czech Republic and want to dive deeper into local culture, May Day is definitely the holiday to embrace. It’s a celebration of love, nature, and Czech literary traditions. You’ll find parks and gardens full of blossoming cherry trees, where couples share a kiss under the flowers—an iconic Czech experience. While Valentine’s Day is more commercial and widely recognized, May Day holds a deeper cultural significance for many locals.

So, why not enjoy both? Valentine’s Day can still be fun for a romantic gesture, while May Day offers a unique opportunity to celebrate love in a distinctly Czech way. Whether you’re spending the day with a partner or friends, it’s a chance to embrace the beauty of spring and the poetry of Karel Hynek Mácha.

Want to expand your Czech vocabulary related to love? Start by practicing new words and phrases here. Then, take your skills further and practice the vocabulary here, or try Valentine’s quiz in Czech here.

Want to take your Czech to the next level in a fun and practical way? Join Czech Up, a self-learning club, where you’ll practice Czech step by step with real-life tasks. It starts on Monday, February 17, and to make your journey even sweeter, enjoy 50% off your first month! Don’t miss out—sign up now and fall in love with Czech! 🇨🇿❤️

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