Czech Statehood Day: History and retail closures

September 28 marks Czech Statehood Day, a public holiday commemorating the feast of St. Wenceslas. The day honors the historical Prince Wenceslas of the Přemyslid dynasty, who was killed by his brother, Boleslav I, in 935. Wenceslas has since become a patron saint and a central symbol of Czech statehood.

Due to national retail legislation, shops with a sales area exceeding 200 square meters must remain closed on this day. This restriction affects large supermarkets, hypermarkets, and home improvement stores. Smaller retail outlets under the 200-square-meter threshold, as well as pharmacies, petrol stations, and shops located in transport hubs like airports or railway stations, may remain open at the owners' discretion.