Masopust 2026: Carnival Parades and Festivities in Prague

Masopust, also commonly known as Fašank or Carnival, is the period between Christmas and the start of Lent during which dance celebrations, slaughter feasts and weddings have traditionally been held in the Bohemian lands for centuries.

It is a time when rich and poor, villagers and city dwellers celebrate together. The revelry and indulgence reach their peak at the end of the carnival season – from Sunday to Tuesday – with a parade followed by an evening dance party marking the finale.

While carnival traditions are preserved mainly in rural areas, Prague also hosts numerous masked parades each year at this time. This year, the main carnival period begins on Saturday, 1 March, with a wide range of events and concludes on Ash Wednesday, 5 March, when the 40-day Lenten period leading up to Easter begins.

Karlínský Masopust
Saturday, 7 February 2026, Kaizlovy sady, Karlínské náměstí

The event traditionally begins at 1:00 pm in the Kaizl Gardens with a short programme and the start of the parade, which proceeds towards Karlínské náměstí. From 2:00 pm onwards, the main programme takes place there and continues into the evening. Various activities and performances for children are offered at the Karlínské Spektrum and on Karlínské náměstí.

In recent years, the organisers have introduced a specific theme for the event. As this year’s date coincides with the opening of the Winter Olympic Games, the theme is “Carnival Animals and Sport.”

Foto: Prague City Tourism

Žižkovský Masopust
Saturday, 7 February 2026, Radost Park, Čajkovského Street

This year, the traditional Žižkov Carnival celebrates its 31st edition. The popular neighbourhood festival takes place on Saturday, 7 February 2026, and features a colourful masked parade, accompanying programmes for children and adults, theatre, music, craft stalls and hearty carnival specialities.

The parade sets off at 4:00 pm from Jiří z Poděbrad Square, accompanied by the band Lovesong Orchestra. It follows Lucemburská, Bořivojova, Ondříčkova and Lupáčova streets to the town hall, where the symbolic handing over of the key to Žižkov takes place, marking the temporary takeover of the district. From Havlíčkovo Square, the procession continues via Štítného and Husinecká streets to Radost Park.

Malostranský Masopust
Saturday, 14 February 2026, Malá Strana – Kampa

Once again, a carnival parade with masks and live music will take place from Loretánské náměstí through Malá Strana to Kampa. The parade begins at 1:00 pm and includes several “acclimatisation stops” with entertainment along the route. It is expected to arrive in Kampa at around 4:00 pm.

The festivities then continue with musical performances, theatrical sketches and further entertainment, lasting until 7:00 pm.

Foto: Prague City Tourism

Břevnovský Masopust
Tuesday, 17 February 2026, Bělohorská Street, near Břevnov Monastery

The 32nd Břevnov Carnival Parade will pass through the district on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, starting at 4:00 pm. The meeting point for all participants in costume is at 3:45 pm outside the shop Moje kredenc at the corner of Pod Královkou and Bělohorská streets. At 4:00 pm, the parade sets off along Bělohorská Street towards Břevnov Monastery.

The procession will feature jugglers, additional masked groups such as the Pilsen ensemble Lorika with stilt-walking masks, and even two live llamas.

At the end of the parade in front of the monastery, participants can look forward to the traditional tapping of carnival beer from a wooden barrel. A wide range of food will be available, including freshly grilled sausages, blood and liver sausages, prejt, prdelačka, aspic, lángos, pancakes, trdelník and other specialities. Carnival beer from the Břevnov Monastery Brewery, as well as hot and cold drinks, will also be served.

Children will receive small gifts, prizes will be awarded for the best costumes, and entertainment will include a juggler and a historic carousel.