sviatky

Sviatky, and its Czech cognate svátky, is a term used in Slovak and Czech to denote holidays or feast days. The word can refer to religious celebrations in the liturgical calendar as well as to public holidays officially recognized by the state. In everyday language, sviatky encompass both church observances and national or civic days when work typically pauses.

Etymology and meaning: The term derives from a root meaning holy or sacred, shared across Slavic languages with related forms in Slovak and Czech (svätý/svátek). This lineage reflects the traditional association of sviatky with liturgical feasts and holy days.

Scope and usage: Sviatky cover fixed church feasts, such as Christmas and Easter, as well as movable feasts determined by the Christian calendar. They also include secular or civic holidays recognized by the government, such as Labour Day or other public holidays. The exact list and naming of days can vary by country, but the overarching idea remains the same: a set of days set aside for celebration, remembrance, or rest.

Cultural practice: Observance of sviatky can differ regionally. In both Slovakia and the Czech Republic, holidays often involve special religious services, family meals, and public closures of many shops and institutions. Schools and workplaces typically observe these days as statutory holidays, though specific rules may vary by sector and region.

See also: The concept intersects with related ideas such as religious feasts, public holidays, and cultural calendars in Slavic-speaking regions. The term highlights how communities mark time through sacred and ceremonial days.