Experience Fun this National Holiday at the Gingerbread Festival in Pardubice

Decorated gingerbread has long been a beloved symbol of Pardubice. This popular treat is so well-known that the European Commission has granted it the prestigious status of Protected Geographical Indication. It even has its own museum—located in the Gingerbread House—and a delightful festival that fills the town with the wonderful aroma of gingerbread at the start of May. This year’s Gingerbread Festival is set for the festive day of 8 May 2025. On this day, visitors can expect a lively fair brimming with delightful gingerbread, honey, and traditional folk items, along with an exciting competition for the fastest gingerbread eater.

A fantastic schedule designed specifically for families with children will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 6:00 p.m.. Along with a diverse array of gingerbread artisans and vendors selling honey and spices, there will be enchanting fairy tale performances, opportunities to try your skills at gingerbread decorating, and a chance to paint your own gingerbread house for a sweet reward.

As part of the entry fee, all guests will enjoy free access to the coin exhibitions, the Lapidarium, and the castle tower. Additionally, a new exhibition titled Martin Veselý: Structures will also open at the Museum of East Bohemia.

Gingerbread Festival in Pardubice

Come and experience the one‐of‐a‐kind atmosphere of the Gingerbread Festival in Pardubice. Enjoy a delightful day filled with gingerbread‐themed fun, history, and culture at the magnificent Pardubice Castle and its gardens.

Date & Location

When: 8 May 2025
Where: Pardubice Castle, Czech Republic

Festival Highlights

• Gingerbread Fair

  • Showcase of Pardubice gingerbread (protected geographical indication by the European Commission)

  • Local honey and traditional product stalls

  • Tasting sessions & exciting gingerbread competitions

• Family Activities

  • Decorate and paint your own gingerbread

  • Fairy‐tale performances for children

• Special Exhibitions (free with admission)

  • Numismatics (coin collection)

  • Lapidarium

  • Castle tower access (with panoramic views on clear days)

  • New Martin Veselý exhibition

Admission & Visitor Info

• Admission Ticket Includes:

  • Entry to all festival areas and activities

  • Free access to the castle’s exhibitions and tower

• The Gingerbread Cottage:

  • Tours and interactive experiences on the history of Pardubice gingerbread

Historical Background

• Pardubice Castle:

  • Originally a grand residence and fortress of the Pernštejn family

  • Major renovations carried out between 1491 and 1560

• Pernštejn Family:

  • Among the wealthiest and most influential noble families in the Czech Kingdom

• Pardubice Gingerbread:

  • Holds a protected geographical indication status for its historical significance and high quality

Venue & Surroundings

• Castle Gardens:

  • Home to peacocks, goats, and squirrels roaming freely

• Tower Views:

  • Enjoy stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape on clear days