Prague's farmers' markets are reopening for the 2024 season this weekend

Prague’s popular farmers’ markets typically take a break during the colder winter months and begin to reopen throughout February. By the month's end, most markets throughout the city will be fully operational.

Their reopening coincides with Masopust, the Czech version of carnival celebrations that take place before the Christian Lent period. Masopust runs through Ash Wednesday which falls on Feb. 14 this year.

That means if you head out to Prague's farmers markets over the next two weeks, you'll have a chance to buy some Masopust goods such as delicacies from zabíjačka, a traditional Czech pig-slaughtering feast.

The first farmers' markets of the year in Prague will open beginning Feb. 3. The Náplavka market on the new town embankment and the Kubánské náměstí farmers' market in Vršovice will welcome customers for their seasonal debuts tomorrow.

The Náplavka market celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2024. What began as an experiment is now a mainstay, with 90-100 vendors offering fresh produce every Saturday from February through December.

"Attempts at markets on the embankment had failed before, but we believed in the concept," said Jiří Sedláček, chairman of the Archetyp Association, which founded the market back in 2009. Inspired by Germany and the U.S., it aimed to provide quality, local options that were lacking in supermarkets then.

From an initial 28 vendors, the market has grown steadily. This Saturday, it will kick off its season with artisanal meats, pastries, and more. Live music is a staple, and thematic festivals are planned throughout the year.

The Kubánské náměstí farmers’ market in Prague 10 has operated since 2010. The association Archetyp has regained control over the market after an eight-year absence. Ahead of the new season starting on Feb. 3, the company aims to enhance the market’s offerings.

Fresh produce, dairy, meats, bakers, and a fish grill will also be sold here with plans to expand to Tuesday and Thursday markets from late March, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We’ll expand the selection and start the season with an outdoor dumpling roast,” Sedláček said. Fresh milk, meat, fish, and baked goods will be available on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Feb. 3, with additional weekday markets added later.

The farmers’ market in the heart of Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrady in Vinohrady is slated to open later this month on Feb. 28.

The farmers' market at Vítězné náměstí in Prague 6 will become one of the city's last big markets to reopen when it launches on March 2. It will also celebrate 15 years in existence and remains one of the most expansive boasting over 100 stalls.

The smaller and relatively new Malostranské trhy should open in March, follow its socials for more details. The compact market focuses more on international food and wine vendors than produce.

Running since 2017 at Řezáčov náměstí in Prague 7 and named after the adjacent Heřmanova Street, the Heřmanova market has no official winter break and operates based on the weather.