Why Czechs celebrate Christmas but skip church

As Advent lights shine across the country and Christmas approaches, Czechs embrace the season with enthusiasm — yet church attendance remains among the lowest in Europe. In this weekend edition of Czechia in 30 Minutes, we look at the cultural and historical reasons behind this unexpected contrast. Czrech Radio' religion expert Adam Šindelář helps explain why centuries-old traditions flourish even as institutional faith loses its place in public life. Together, we explore how Czech attitudes toward spirituality, identity and winter customs have evolved — and why the Christmas atmosphere thrives regardless of religious practice.