St. Stephen's Day in Czechia

Date and Significance: St. Stephen's Day, known as "Štěpán" or "the Second Christmas Day" in Czechia, is celebrated on December 26th. It is dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

History: The day has its roots in Christian tradition, marking the feast of St. Stephen who was stoned to death for his faith and became a symbol of charity. Over time, it evolved into a public holiday in many Christian-majority countries.

Traditions: In Czechia, St. Stephen's Day is typically a time for continuation of Christmas festivities. It carries over some of the peaceful and family-oriented aspects of Christmas Day.

• Church Services: Many people attend church services to honor the day.
• Horse Rides and Blessings: A unique tradition includes horseback rides and blessings of horses, linked to St. Stephen being the patron saint of horses.
• Visiting Family: As with Christmas Day, visiting family and friends is common.
• Relaxation: People often relax at home, enjoying leftovers from Christmas feasts.

Activities: On this day, it's not uncommon for Czechs to engage in leisure activities such as:

• Watching sports events or participating in outdoor activities if the weather permits.
• Attending cultural events like concerts or theater performances that may still be themed around the holiday season.

St. Stephen's Day serves as an extended part of the festive period in Czechia, allowing for additional time spent with loved ones and a gradual winding down of Christmas celebrations before transitioning into preparations for New Year's Eve.