Folklore gets its groove back this weekend in Prague

Folk festivals may bring to mind cringe-worthy costumes and polka clichés, but this weekend in Prague, multiple events will give the genre a high-energy refresh.

Leading the way is México Spectacular (July 18–20), an exciting three-day event organized by Colectivo LATAM. In Prague for the first time, this Mexican ballet is a tribute to community spirit, supported by over 20 Czech host families who’ve welcomed the dancers into their homes.

Roxana Velasco, spokesperson for Colectivo LATAM, says: “Their generosity truly embodies the spirit of mi casa es su casa.”

If you thought Prague’s folk scene was stuck in a lederhosen loop, the Candaian-based México Spectacular will change your mind. Performers from Ballet Aztlán, known for igniting Niagara Falls with the green, white, and red colors of Mexico’s flag, will bring the stomping, swirling dance traditions of Jalisco, Veracruz, and Chiapas to the local stage.

Starting at 6 p.m. each evening, Old Town's 2. Patro venue will become a lively Mexican plaza preshow with vendors serving artisanal tacos from El Mexikano and Jarritos sodas plus a Lotería-themed photo booth, and live mariachi music.

For families, there’s a special matinee on Sunday. The performers will also participate in the Prague Folklore Days (see below).

Prague’s small but visible Mexican community, around 1,500 strong nationwide, has long embraced cultural exchange. From Día de los Muertos vigils to the annual Zažít Americkou jinak festival, Latin American traditions have long thrived in the Czech capital.

“This isn’t just a performance, it’s a celebration of identity, color, and connection,” Velasco says.

The México Spectacular is one of two folk-themed festivals in Prague this weekend. The long-running Prague Folklore Days (July 17–19) brings more than 70 amateur ensembles from over 20 countries to the city center.

Take in traditional costumes, folk music, and cultural pageantry courtesy of dancers from countries like Estonia, Poland, Israel, and Taiwan perform in open-air venues such as Ovocný trh and Náměstí Republiky.

A Czech group in ceremonial Central Bohemian costume will lead a festive Saturday morning parade through Old Town Square, the ceremonial highlight of the event.

All performances are free to attend, and if you’ve got a folk costume hanging in your closet, you’re invited to join the parade.

Taťána Sochorová, spokesperson for Millennium Travel, the event's organizers, says, “This festival speaks a universal language of music, movement, and heritage; no translation is required.”