Every year in November, the Czech Republic celebrates St. Martin’s Day – a festival full of tradition, enjoyment and convivial moments. At the centre are roast geese and the first young wine of the year, the Svatomartinské víno.
In mid-November, St. Martin’s Day is celebrated across the Czech Republic – a festival marking the transition from autumn to winter. On 11 November, families and friends come together to enjoy the traditional St. Martin’s menu in a festive setting. Originally, this day marked the end of the agricultural year, when landowners rewarded their workers with a feast and the payment of wages. Today, the festival is primarily about joy, indulgence and social togetherness.
Almost every restaurant in the Czech Republic offers a special St. Martin’s menu at this time. At the heart of the menu is the roast goose – a tradition maintained for centuries. Typical starters include liver pâté or hearty broths with liver dumplings and noodles. The main course features the classic roast goose, accompanied by red or white cabbage and dumplings. Young St. Martin’s wines or specially brewed beers are served alongside.
The First Wine of the Year: Svatomartinské víno
At 11:11 am on 11 November, the first bottles of Svatomartinské víno – the young wine of the new vintage – are opened in the Czech Republic. It impresses with fresh, fruity flavours and is made from grape varieties such as Müller-Thurgau, Roter Veltliner or Moravian Muscat. Before the wine can bear the coveted label Svatomartinské víno, an independent commission assesses its quality.
Already on Saturday, 8 November, the festival Svatomartinské slavnosti a pečená husa takes place on the Prague Vltava riverside. Starting at 10 am, the event revolves entirely around roast goose and St. Martin’s wine, attracting both locals and tourists who want to experience the autumnal tradition.
The St. Martin’s Festival is a celebration for all the senses – the perfect opportunity to sit down in a restaurant with family or friends or attend one of the many autumnal events. An experience that unites culinary delights with the first taste of the new wine vintage.
Svatomartinské slavnosti a pečená husa
8 November 10.00 – 20.00 | Náplavka, Rašínovo nábřeží
Website | Facebook Event
