Easter in Prague

If you travel to Prague during Easter week you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Easter markets in the Old Town. These pop-up markets sell klobasas (Slovenian sausages), roasted ham, chicken and vegetable skewers, traditional desserts and a wide array of crafted goods.

The Czech Easter markets are similar to the Christmas markets that can be found all over Europe in December, but instead of Christmas ornaments you’ll find Easter eggs and other springtime crafts. A stage is set up in the Old Town Square where children and adults perform traditional song and dance that culminate in an early evening parade around the square.

Trdelník is a traditional pastry served at the markets in the Old Town Square in Prague. The sweet leavened pastry dough is wrapped around a large metal cylinder and roasted over hot coals until it becomes nicely browned and crispy on the outside. It is covered in sugar, toffee, walnuts and made with vanilla and a hint of lavender. The sugary crispy outside is warm and satisfying and you can instantly taste the lavender.

Although this pastry at first glance appears to be a traditional Czech pastry, it is actually of Transylvanian origin and is named for the cylindrical stake that it is wrapped and cooked around. It made its way across the Czech border in the 18^th century and has recently been popping up in Czech markets.

Elsewhere in the Easter markets you’ll find a barnyard pen with small animals including donkeys and baby goats. Here kids can feed the animals by buying a small amount of animal feed from a coin machine. If you wander over to the craft stalls you can ogle the intricately painted Czech Easter eggs, which can be purchased individually or collected to make a dozen to bring home.

The markets operate over the course of the Easter season from late March to mid-April, adjusted depending on when Easter falls during the year. You can spend a couple of hours walking around the square, and it is definitely worth stopping for at least one meal. There are plenty of food stalls as well as picnic style tables and individual two seater benches to enjoy lunch or dinner or even just a quick snack. While the Trdelníks are definitely worth tasting (you can split one between two people), I’d recommend keeping an eye out for the chocolate crepes, spiral potatoes and klobasas.

THE RUNDOWN:

What: Prague Easter Markets

Where: Old Town Square, Prague

When: Late March to mid-April

How Long: A couple of hours to see the sights and grab a bite to eat

What Else to Know:

• To See: the barnyard pen, the stage where traditional dances are performed, and the craft stalls
• To Eat: try the Trdelník for dessert, but also the klobasas (sausages), spiral potatoes, and chocolate crepes
• Be Wary: of ordering a serving of the ham, its enough to serve at least four people and can be very expensive compared to ordering a few sausages
• Don’t forget: to also see the famous medieval astronomical clock which is also in the Old Town Square