Opening of the Springs 2026 — the Greatest Festival in Luhačovice
Every year, always on the second weekend in May, the Moravian spa town of Luhačovice awakens to full life. The streets fill with thousands of visitors in colourful costumes, the Art Nouveau colonnade resonates with music, and the healing springs are ceremonially opened for the new spa season. We’re talking about the Opening of the Springs — a tradition that reaches deep into the past and is today the largest and most visited cultural event in Luhačovice. In 2026, this unique celebration takes place on 8–10 May and will once again welcome thousands of visitors from across the Czech Republic and abroad.
If you’ve never experienced the Opening of the Springs in Luhačovice before, this year’s event is the perfect opportunity. And if you’re regular visitors, you know that each year brings something new worth seeing. In this article, we bring you a complete guide to the festivities — from the history and programme through practical advice to tips on how to enjoy your weekend in Luhačovice to the fullest.
What is the Opening of the Springs and why is it celebrated
Ancient reverence for springs
The relationship between people and springs and wells has roots in Moravia reaching deep into pagan times. Our ancestors were well aware of the vital importance of clean water, and therefore held springs in deep reverence. With the arrival of spring, when nature awakened from its winter slumber, it was customary to ceremonially cleanse, decorate, and bless the springs. These rituals were meant to ensure that the water would remain clean, abundant, and healing throughout the year. Springs weren’t just sources of drinking water — they were places of gathering, prayer, and thanksgiving for nature’s gifts.
In Luhačovice, where some of the most effective mineral waters in all of Europe flow from deep underground layers, this relationship with springs always had special intensity. Luhačovice mineral waters, rich in minerals and infused with free carbon dioxide, attracted the attention of healers and doctors from the Middle Ages onwards. The Vincentka spring, named at the end of the 18th century after Count Vincent Serényi, owner of the local estate, was known under the name “Main Spring” as early as before 1680. The Aloiska spring is among the oldest in Luhačovice and was known before 1770. The Ottovka spring, originally flowing freely from the ravine “V Zelnici”, was walled and improved in 1905.
The birth of modern spa tradition
The decisive moment for Luhačovice’s development as a spa town was the arrival of architect Dušan Jurkovič at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Jurkovič, a Slovak architect and ethnographer, created an overall urban plan for Luhačovice and over just three years realised six buildings that still form the architectural backbone of the town today. His unique style, combining elements of Carpathian folk art with Viennese Art Nouveau, gave Luhačovice its unmistakable character that continues to enchant visitors today. Jurkovič’s buildings — Chaloupka, Valaška, Vlastimila, Jestřábí, the hydrotherapy institute, sun baths, and music pavilion — are today cultural monuments and form one of the most precious architectural collections of their kind in the world.
The opening of the spa season took place in Luhačovice as early as the late 19th century. The ceremonial ritual then took place in front of St. Elizabeth’s Chapel on Spa Square, where spa guests, local residents, and clergy gathered to welcome the new season together. However, this tradition was interrupted several times during the 20th century — first by both world wars and subsequently by the communist regime, which suppressed religious and folkloric traditions.
Revival of tradition in modern times
The modern tradition of blessing the springs was revived at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s by the folklore ensemble Malé Zálesí. A key figure in the revival was folklorist Věra Haluzová, who recognised the cultural value of the ceremonial opening of springs and advocated for its rebirth in modern form. Thanks to her efforts and the city’s support, the Opening of the Springs gradually became the largest cultural event in Luhačovice, which now regularly attracts around ten thousand visitors.
The celebration is now organised by the Cultural and Congress Centre Elektra in cooperation with the city of Luhačovice and other partners. The Opening of the Springs is a registered trademark and has become a symbol of Luhačovice as a spa town that honours its traditions whilst opening itself to modern cultural trends.
Programme for Opening of the Springs 2026
This year’s Opening of the Springs takes place on 8–10 May 2026 (Friday to Sunday) and offers a three-day programme full of music, folklore, entertainment, and of course the ceremonial blessing of the healing springs. The programme takes place in all weather — in case of persistent rain, Sunday’s blessing of the springs will be moved to Hala Vincentka. You can find the complete and most current programme on the official website oteviranipramenu.cz.
Friday 8 May — ceremonial opening
Friday is the day when Luhačovice begins to don its festive attire. The programme starts in the afternoon and offers a pleasant introduction to the weekend celebrations.
- 14:00 — Guided tour with a guide, starting at the town information centre. The tour will take you through the most beautiful places in the spa centre, introduce you to the town’s history, stories of individual springs, and Dušan Jurkovič’s architectural masterpieces. It’s an ideal way to get in the mood for the festivities and get to know Luhačovice from a perspective that ordinary visitors overlook.
- Programme by pupils from Luhačovice Primary School — children from the local school will prepare an entertaining programme about significant personalities from the history of the spa and town for visitors. At various stations in the spa area, you’ll meet legendary figures from Luhačovice history and can participate in interactive tasks.
- 19:00 — Ceremonial opening of the festival at KKC Elektra. A ceremonial evening at the Cultural and Congress Centre Elektra officially opens the three-day programme. Expect concert performances, welcoming speeches, and an atmosphere that sets the celebratory mood for the entire weekend.
Friday’s programme is ideal for those who arrive in Luhačovice on Friday afternoon. After the ceremonial opening, you can set out on an evening stroll through the illuminated colonnade and absorb the atmosphere of a town preparing for its greatest celebration.
Saturday 9 May — market, vintage cars and music
Saturday is traditionally the most colourful day of the Opening of the Springs. From morning to evening, Luhačovice hosts one programme after another.
- 9:00–18:00 — Traditional market on Dr. Veselého street. Market stalls offer regional products, traditional handicrafts, homemade delicacies, mead, ceramics, wooden toys, lace, and dozens of other treasures from Moravian craftsmen’s workshops. The market is a place where you’ll discover authentic treasures of Wallachia and Slovácko — from hand-painted Easter eggs through fragrant pastries to original jewellery made from natural materials. Don’t miss tasting local specialities, especially the Luhačovice wafers, which are renowned throughout the republic.
- 10:00 — Promenade in period costumes on Dr. Veselého street. One of the most photogenic moments of the entire weekend is the ceremonial promenade, during which participants dress in Art Nouveau dresses, historical uniforms, and colourful period costumes from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Ladies in hats with feathers, gentlemen in bowler hats and with walking sticks, children in sailor suits — all this creates an unrepeatable belle époque atmosphere that perfectly matches Jurkovič’s architecture of the spa centre. If you have a period costume, don’t hesitate to join — the promenade is open to all.
- 10:30 — Column of historic vehicles (vintage cars). One of the most anticipated points of Saturday’s programme is the procession of beautifully maintained historic cars and motorcycles. Gleaming vintage vehicles — from elegant pre-war cabriolets through sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s to legendary Czechoslovak automobiles — drive through the spa centre to the admiring gazes of thousands of spectators. For lovers of technology and history, it’s an experience not to be missed.
- 11:00 — Musical programme. From morning, musical performances of various genres alternate on stages in the spa area — from folk-rock through folk music to pop. Concerts continue until early evening and create a pleasant soundtrack for browsing the market and relaxing on benches in the spa park.
- Theatre performances and accompanying programme. Saturday also offers theatre performances, workshops for children, and other activities that will entertain visitors of all age groups. The programme takes place continuously at various locations throughout the spa area, so every corner of Luhačovice offers something interesting.
Saturday is the day when Luhačovice truly comes alive. The atmosphere is unrepeatable — thousands of people in period costumes stroll through Art Nouveau streets, market aromas mix with music, and the entire town resembles a living picture from the turn of the century.
Sunday 10 May — blessing of the springs and ceremonial procession
Sunday is the climax of the entire festival. It’s on this day that what gave the festivities their name takes place — the ceremonial blessing of the healing springs.
- 9:00 — Thanksgiving ceremonial mass at the Church of the Holy Family. Sunday’s programme begins with a ceremonial service in the beautiful Church of the Holy Family, which is itself an architectural gem of Luhačovice. The mass is thanksgiving for the healing power of the springs and for the new spa season. Even for non-religious visitors, it’s a beautiful experience — the church has exceptional acoustics and the ceremonial atmosphere is extraordinarily moving.
- Ceremonial procession with blessing of the springs. After the mass, a ceremonial procession emerges from the church, which is the heart of the entire event. The procession consists of clergy, city representatives, members of folklore groups in traditional costumes, musicians, and hundreds of visitors in period costumes. The procession stops successively at individual healing springs, where the clergy perform a blessing and symbolically “open” the spring for the new season.
- Procession route leads from St. Joseph’s Spring, continues to Ottovka, and then to Dr. Šťastný’s Well. At each spring, the procession stops, a prayer is heard, a blessing is given, and often also a folk song or musical performance. The entire route passes through the most beautiful parts of the spa centre and offers breathtaking views of Art Nouveau architecture in spring attire.
- Symbolism of the blessing. The blessing of the springs isn’t just a formal act — it’s a deeply symbolic ritual that connects faith in the healing power of nature with Christian tradition. By blessing the springs, gratitude is expressed for the gift of healing water and a request is made that the springs serve people in the coming season as well. For many visitors, it’s the most moving moment of the entire weekend.
Sunday’s programme then continues with other cultural performances and a ceremonial conclusion to the festival. After the blessing of the springs, you can leisurely walk through the spa area, taste the healing mineral water directly from the springs, and absorb the atmosphere of a town that has just ceremonially entered a new season.
Practical information for visitors
How to get to Luhačovice
By car: Luhačovice lies approximately 20 km southeast of Zlín. From Brno it’s about 130 km (approximately 1.5 hours’ drive) via the D1 motorway towards Kroměříž and then through Zlín. From Prague, count on approximately 300 km (about 3 hours). From Ostrava it’s approximately 150 km (under 2 hours). The route leads through the picturesque landscape of eastern Moravia and the journey itself is an experience.
By train: Luhačovice has its own railway station on the line from Újezdec u Luhačovic. From Brno you can get there via Staré Město u Uherského Hradiště or via Zlín with a connection. The journey takes approximately 2–2.5 hours. From Prague count on about 4–5 hours. The railway station is within walking distance of the spa centre.
By bus: Direct bus connections to Luhačovice run from Zlín, Brno, and other larger cities. The bus station is located directly in the town centre, so it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the spa area.
Parking
During the Opening of the Springs, Luhačovice fills with thousands of visitors and parking in the town centre is very limited. We recommend arriving with sufficient time, ideally on Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning. The town usually establishes temporary car parks on the outskirts of the centre and in adjacent streets. Follow navigation signs and organisers’ instructions. If you have accommodation in Luhačovice, use parking at your hotel and move around the town on foot — the spa centre is compact and everything important is within walking distance.
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes — you’ll be doing a lot of walking on cobbled streets and park paths. Comfortable shoes are absolutely essential.
- Layered clothing — May weather in Moravia can be changeable. Mornings tend to be cooler, during the day it can be pleasantly warm, and evenings cool again. We recommend layered clothing and a light jacket or jumper.
- Umbrella or raincoat — the programme takes place in all weather, so it’s good to be prepared for rain too.
- Period costume — if you have an Art Nouveau or historical costume, bring it with you. The promenade in period costumes is one of the highlights of Saturday’s programme and participation is open to all.
- Camera — the Opening of the Springs is an immensely photogenic event. Colourful costumes, Art Nouveau architecture, folkloric elements, and ceremonial atmosphere offer thousands of opportunities for stunning photographs.
- Mug or small bottle — in the spa area you can get healing mineral water directly from the springs for free. Having your own mug is handy.
Accommodation — book early!
The Opening of the Springs is the most visited event of the year in Luhačovice and accommodation capacity fills very quickly. If you’re planning a visit, don’t delay booking accommodation. Hotels and guesthouses in the town centre are usually booked weeks, sometimes even months in advance. The earlier you secure your stay, the better selection you’ll have.
Ideal accommodation is directly in the spa centre or in its immediate vicinity, so you have all attractions within reach and don’t have to deal with parking and transfers. Proximity to the spa centre allows you to enjoy late evening programmes and morning walks through the town when Luhačovice is at its most beautiful.
Tips for an unforgettable experience
Best places to watch the procession
Sunday’s ceremonial procession is the main attraction of the entire weekend. To enjoy it as much as possible, we recommend taking position with sufficient advance notice. The best places to watch the procession are:
- Around St. Joseph’s Spring — this is where the procession begins and the atmosphere is most intense. If you arrive in time, you’ll see the formation of the procession and the first blessing.
- Route between springs — along the park and colonnade, where the procession winds between green trees and Art Nouveau buildings. This is where the most beautiful photographs are taken.
- At the colonnade — a classic spot with beautiful architectural backdrop.
- Around Ottovka spring — a romantic corner where the blessing of springs takes on an especially intimate character.
Gastronomic tips
The Opening of the Springs is also a feast of flavours. At the market and in local restaurants and cafés, taste:
- Luhačovice wafers — a traditional spa delicacy that has been made in Luhačovice since the end of the 19th century. You can choose from a range of flavours — from classic vanilla and chocolate through nut to modern variants.
- Slovácko frgály — traditional pastries made from yeasted dough, filled with cottage cheese, jam, pears, or poppy seeds. They’re a typical speciality of the local region and at the market you can get them freshly baked.
- Mead and homemade liqueurs — Moravian mead is renowned for its quality and at the market you’ll find dozens of producers offering tastings.
- Grilled specialities and regional dishes — from sausages through smoked meat to traditional Wallachian halušky.
- Mineral water from springs — don’t forget to taste water directly from the healing springs. Each spring has a different taste and different composition — Vincentka is salty-sour and distinctive, Aloiska is gentler, Ottovka has a characteristic iodine note.
Best photography opportunities
The Opening of the Springs is a photographer’s paradise. Here are tips for the best shots:
- Promenade in period costumes — colourful Art Nouveau dresses against the backdrop of Jurkovič’s buildings create images from another era.
- Column of vintage cars — gleaming historic automobiles in contrast with spa architecture.
- Blessing of springs — emotional moments of blessing, traditional costumes, flowers, and ceremonial atmosphere.
- Market — details of handicrafts, spice aromas, colourful stalls.
- Morning Luhačovice — if you come for the whole weekend, take advantage of morning hours when the streets are still empty and the light is ideal for photographing Art Nouveau buildings.
With children at the Opening of the Springs
The Opening of the Springs is an excellent event for families with children. Friday’s programme prepared by pupils from the local primary school is aimed directly at young visitors. At Saturday’s market you’ll find stalls with toys and sweets, the vintage car column will interest young and old alike, and Sunday’s procession in traditional costumes is like a fairy tale come to life. Children can try traditional crafts, taste wafers, and run around the spa park where there’s plenty of space for play.
Why come for the whole weekend
Whilst the Opening of the Springs is a three-day event, Luhačovice has so much to offer that it’s worth spending an entire long weekend here — or even longer. Once you arrive in this beautiful Moravian town, it would be a shame not to stay and explore everything that Luhačovice and its surroundings have to offer.
Architectural gems
Luhačovice is one of the most significant centres of Art Nouveau architecture in the Czech Republic. Currently there are 34 cultural monuments here and the town is striving for inscription of Jurkovič’s buildings on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Besides the famous Jurkovič buildings — Chaloupka, Valaška, Vlastimila, Jestřábí, the music pavilion and others — the modernist colonnade with Hala Vincentka, built in 1947–1952, the Church of the Holy Family, Bedřich Smetana House, or Villa Dagmar are also worth visiting. Every street in the town centre hides an architectural treasure.
Spa treatments and wellness
When you’re in one of the most significant spa towns in Central Europe, why not treat yourself to some spa treatments? Luhačovice offers a wide range of wellness services — from classic carbonic baths through mineral water inhalations, wraps, massages to modern relaxation treatments. The healing mineral springs are truly unique — Luhačovice mineral water ranks among the best in Europe in terms of composition and effectiveness. A drinking cure with Vincentka is a proven remedy for respiratory ailments, digestive system disorders, and musculoskeletal problems.
Nature and hiking
Luhačovice lies at the foot of the White Carpathians Protected Landscape Area, making it an ideal base for hiking and cycling. In the immediate vicinity of the town you’ll find dozens of kilometres of marked hiking trails that lead through hills, forests, and meadows with beautiful views.
- Luhačovice Dam (Pozlovice Dam) — a popular place for walks, cycling, fishing, and swimming in summer. It’s connected to the town centre by the picturesque Jurkovič Avenue with rest stops, sports facilities, and refreshments. You can also take the sightseeing train to the dam, which especially delights children.
- Ruins of Starý Světlov Castle — the hilly terrain around Luhačovice will take you to the remains of a medieval castle, from where there’s a beautiful view of the countryside.
- Nature trails — there are several nature trails around Luhačovice that will introduce you to local nature, geology, and history.
- Duha Pozlovice Swimming Pool — a modern swimming facility with heated water, swimming pool, slide, and children’s playground. Ideal for families with children.
Culture and gastronomy
Luhačovice is a culturally vibrant town throughout the year. KKC Elektra regularly hosts concerts, theatre performances, and exhibitions. In summer, the prestigious Janáček and Luhačovice Festival attracts visitors, commemorating the legacy of the famous Moravian composer Leoš Janáček, who visited Luhačovice twenty-five times and wrote some of his most famous works here.
Local restaurants and cafés offer both traditional Moravian cuisine and modern gastronomic experiences. After a day full of walks and cultural experiences, you deserve to sit on a terrace overlooking the spa park, enjoy a glass of quality Moravian wine, and watch the street lamps slowly light up in Luhačovice.
Enjoy the Opening of the Springs 2026 in comfort — book your stay at Hotel Vincent
The Opening of the Springs is undoubtedly the greatest and most beautiful celebration in Luhačovice. If you want to experience this unique weekend to the fullest, without the stress of parking and with the certainty of comfortable accommodation, book your stay at Hotel Vincent well in advance.
Hotel Vincent offers pleasant accommodation in Luhačovice, from where you have the spa centre and all attractions of the Opening of the Springs within easy reach. After a full day of programmes filled with music, processions, and markets, you’ll return to the comfort of your room, where you can rest and gather strength for another day full of experiences.
Accommodation capacity in Luhačovice fills very quickly during the Opening of the Springs. Don’t leave your reservation to the last minute — the earlier you secure your stay, the better conditions you’ll get.
Book your stay at Hotel Vincent for the Opening of the Springs 2026 weekend and experience Luhačovice’s greatest celebration in complete comfort.
The Opening of the Springs 2026 takes place on 8–10 May. Current programme and details can be found at oteviranipramenu.cz.