St Martin’s Day in Prague 2026: Goose, Young Wine and the 11:11 Toast

St Martin’s Day in Prague 2026

St Martin’s Day falls on Wednesday 11 November 2026. That is the day the year’s Svatomartinské young wine goes on sale, and by tradition the first bottles are opened at 11:11. The big riverside goose festival follows on Saturday 14 November.

Charles Bridge, 11 Nov: At 11:11 St Martin, dressed as a Roman soldier on a white horse, sets off from the eleventh pier with eleven geese, their herders and a cart of “first snow”. The procession ends at Křižovnické náměstí with a free St Martin market (from about noon). See our Charles Bridge guide.
Botanic Garden, Troja, 11 Nov: The St Clare’s wine shop in the Prague Botanic Garden opens the young wine at 11:00 with a tasting.
Náplavka, 14 Nov: The 15th St Martin festival runs from 10:00 to 20:00 on Rašínovo nábřeží, with young wines, roast goose, dumplings, cabbage and live cimbalom and jazz bands. On the same day the Kubáň and Heřmaňák farmers’ markets serve goose from 9:00 until it runs out.
Restaurants: Goose menus run at U Pinkasů (from 11 Nov), Baráčnická rychta (9–13 Nov) and Sezóna (11–15 Nov). Karlínská husa takes over Karlínské náměstí on Sunday 15 Nov. Book ahead for the 11th itself.

More on the month in Prague in November. The background below covers the tradition itself.

St. Martin’s Day: A Celebration of Harvest and Heritage

Falling annually on November 11th, St. Martin’s Day is one of the most anticipated dates on the Czech calendar. Historically marking the end of the agricultural season, it has evolved into a festival centred on the first wine of the year and hearty, traditional comfort food.

The Ritual of the St. Martin’s Wine

The tradition begins at 11:11 on 11 November, when the first bottles of the current year’s harvest are uncorked. These young, fresh wines are celebrated across Prague’s wine bars and restaurants, offering a crisp, fruity profile that pairs well with the cool November air. Many establishments host tastings where you can sample this year’s young wines from Moravia and Bohemia.

The Feast of the Roasted Goose

No St. Martin’s celebration is complete without the traditional feast of roast goose. Served with braised red cabbage and bread dumplings, this meal is a testament to the Czech love for rich, seasonal flavours. Because it is so popular, we recommend booking your table at a traditional Czech tavern at least two weeks in advance.

The Art of Mushroom Picking: A Czech Obsession

To understand the Czech soul, one must look toward the forest. Mushroom picking is far more than a casual hobby; it is an autumn tradition that sees families heading to the woods as soon as the first September rains arrive.

Where to Find the Best Harvest

The national parks of Šumava and Bohemian Switzerland are famous, but they are hours away. The woodlands around Prague, such as the Kunratice Forest or the Divoká Šárka area, are easily reached by public transport and are good grounds for boletes and chanterelles. Divoká Šárka is a nature reserve, so check the local rules before you pick. If you are a novice, consider a guided foraging tour so you only pick safe, edible varieties.

From Forest to Table

The reward for a morning in the woods is found in the kitchen. Traditional recipes like kulajda—a creamy dill and mushroom soup topped with a poached egg—or mushroom sauces served over dumplings are the high point of autumn Czech cooking. If you prefer to skip the foraging, look for “houbové speciality” (mushroom specialities) on menus at local restaurants throughout October and November.

Planning a November Visit

These traditions give a window into the local way of life, where nature and history intertwine. Whether you watch the St. Martin’s procession on Charles Bridge or learn the quiet patience of forest foraging, you are taking part in rituals that have been cherished for generations. For the rest of the month, see Prague in November.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is St. Martin's Day celebrated in Prague?

St. Martin’s Day is celebrated annually on November 11th. In 2026 the big Náplavka goose festival is on Saturday 14 November.

What is the traditional food for St. Martin's Day?

The traditional feast features roasted goose served with red cabbage and dumplings.

Is mushroom picking popular in the Czech Republic?

Yes, mushroom picking is a deeply ingrained cultural pastime and a beloved autumn tradition for Czechs.

Where can I go mushroom picking near Prague?

Kunratice Forest and the Divoká Šárka area are within the city and easy to reach by public transport. Check local rules in protected areas before picking.