Origin & history
The holiday commemorates Saints Cyril and Methodius, two Byzantine brothers sent to Great Moravia in 863 AD by the Byzantine emperor Michael III. They were tasked with spreading Christianity among the Slavic peoples. Cyril (born Constantine) created the Glagolitic alphabet, the first script for the Old Church Slavonic language, which allowed the translation of the Bible and liturgical texts. Their mission laid the foundation for the conversion of the Slavs to Christianity and the development of Slavic literary culture.
In Czechia, the day marks the arrival of Cyril and Methodius to Great Moravia, which included parts of modern-day Czechia. After their deaths, their disciples continued their work, spreading Christianity and literacy. The holiday was officially established in the 19th century as part of the Czech national revival, emphasizing the Slavic heritage and the importance of the mission for Czech identity.
In 1980, the Czechoslovak government declared July 5 a national holiday, and after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, Czechia retained it. The date is separate from St. Cyril and Methodius Day celebrated by the Catholic Church on February 14, as Czechia uses the feast day of the Slavic missionaries that aligns with the arrival date.
Customs & traditions
The day is marked by religious services, particularly in churches dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius. The main celebrations often take place at Velehrad, a significant pilgrimage site in Moravia, where thousands gather for masses, processions, and cultural events. Traditional Moravian folk music and dances are performed, and local crafts are displayed.
Many Czechs attend outdoor concerts, festivals, and patriotic events. Since it is a public holiday, families often spend the day together, enjoying picnics or trips. Traditional foods include Moravian wine, kolรกฤe (pastries), and other regional dishes. The day is also an opportunity for people to reflect on their cultural and religious heritage.
Schools and cultural institutions organize educational programs about the lives of Cyril and Methodius, and libraries may feature exhibitions on Slavic literature. In recent years, secular celebrations have also emerged, focusing on the Slavic alphabet and its significance for Czech language and literacy.
Why it is celebrated
Saints Cyril and Methodius Day is significant as it honors the founders of Slavic literacy and Christianity in the region. For Czechs, it represents a key moment in the formation of their cultural and national identity, linking them to the broader Slavic world. The holiday underscores the importance of education, religion, and the preservation of the Czech language.
Beyond religious observance, the day serves as a reminder of the historical ties between Czechia and the Eastern Christian tradition, as well as the unifying role of the Cyrillic and Glagolitic scripts in Slavic history. It is a celebration of heritage, faith, and the enduring legacy of the two saints, who were proclaimed co-patron saints of Europe by Pope John Paul II in 1980.