Easter is an important holiday in the Czech Republic that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but it is also a time for food and festivities. Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, celebrates Easter with an Easter market on Namesti Svobody that features free concerts of folklore groups and dulcimer music. However, if you want to eat like a Czech during Easter, there are traditional dishes you can enjoy throughout the week.

The celebration of Easter in the Czech Republic begins on Ash Wednesday, also known as “škaredá středa” (Ugly Wednesday). On this day, people commonly prepare potato flatbreads and sweet or salty pancakes, which are torn into small pieces to resemble “ugly” food. One dish that you can try during this time is Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian recipe.

On Thursday, Czechs celebrate Green Thursday (“zelený čtvrtek”), which is usually associated with eating healthy. People often prepare spinach soup or sauce with potatoes and boiled eggs or roasted peas. Spinach soup is an easy-to-make and healthy dish that you can try during this time.

Good Friday is a day of fasting, and according to Christian tradition, people should avoid eating meat. However, you can still enjoy meals prepared from fish. Potato cakes in the shape of fish are a common dish, and a dense soup made of sour cabbage, beans, potatoes, and other basic ingredients is also commonly eaten on this day.

On Holy Saturday, families get together to eat a big meal of several courses. Two of the most typical dishes are Mazanec (sweet bread) and Easter stuffing with meat, called Nádivka.

On Easter Sunday, many Czechs eat strong meat broth, followed by roasted meat. Traditional sweet cake in the shape of a lamb (“velikonoční beránek”) should also be on the table.

The celebration ends on Easter Monday, also known as “Pomlázka,” when people eat eggs as a symbol of fertility. Eggs are usually fried, boiled, stuffed, or used in a traditional spread called “Vajíčková pomazánka,” which is made of eggs, mustard, spring onion, and butter or yogurt.

In conclusion, Easter in the Czech Republic is a time for both religious and cultural celebrations. The holiday is also known for traditional dishes that people can enjoy throughout the week. Whether you try Kaiserschmarrn, spinach soup, potato cakes, Mazanec, or vajíčková pomazánka, there is always something to satisfy your taste buds during this festive time. Brno Daily wishes everyone a happy and delicious Easter!

Article by Prague Forum