From erecting maypoles to kissing at Mácha’s statue: Why Czechs celebrate Valentine on May Day

Name: From erecting maypoles to kissing at Mácha’s statue: Why Czechs celebrate Valentine on May Day
Uploaded: 2026-05-08T15:10:45+00:00
Channel: Martin Hladík
Description: While much of the world celebrates love on Valentine’s Day in February, in Czechia it is May 1 that truly belongs to lovers. This spring date is marked by kisses under blooming trees, meetings beneath the statue of poet Karel Hynek Mácha, and a long tradition of romantic symbolism. For centuries, May has been perceived

Photo: Martina Kutková, Radio Prague International

While much of the world celebrates love on Valentine’s Day in February, in Czechia it is May 1 that truly belongs to lovers. This spring date is marked by kisses under blooming trees, meetings beneath the statue of poet Karel Hynek Mácha, and a long tradition of romantic symbolism.

For centuries, May has been perceived as a month of fertility, growth, and social rites that shaped community life.

See more here.

Author: Romana Grajcarová