Experience St. John’s Navalis 2025: Historic Ships Illuminate the Vltava

For the 297th time in modern history, Prague will host the Navalis St. John’s Day 2025 celebration on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The Vltava River near Charles Bridge will transform into a Baroque stage for a spectacular water concert. Expect vibrant colors, dazzling fireworks, delicious local specialties and an unforgettable atmosphere as we honor the canonization of John of Nepomuk. Bring the whole family to join the procession and immerse yourselves in the unique spirit of the city. This year’s festivities not only showcase Prague’s charm but also highlight John of Nepomuk’s enduring legacy and his influence on Czech moral values.

The program begins at 14:30 at Hradčany Square with the decorating of horses at the Archbishop’s Palace. At 16:30, the horses and riders will be blessed, followed by a solemn Mass at 17:30 in the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Vojtěch and Wenceslas. The midsummer procession sets off at 19:00, winding its way along the historic Royal Route to Charles Bridge.

Venetian boat regatta Vela al Terzo, hardy boat sailing, and parachute jump

Since John of Nepomuk is celebrated as both a Czech saint and a patron of Venice, Venetian gondoliers and rowers are invited each year. The Vela al Terzo regatta of Venetian boats will begin at 19:45 on the Vltava River by Charles Bridge. To start the race, the Archbishop of Prague will raise the Venetian flag on the very grid where John of Nepomuk’s body was thrown into the river, according to tradition.

The evening concert on the Vltava will feature illuminated skydivers. In the Baroque era, these spectacular performances were known as “water music,” composed especially for Navalis. The program includes:

• Litanies to St. John of Nepomuk by Johann Anton Kobrich
• Regina Coeli by Bonifazio Graziani
• Te Deum laudamus by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Festive fanfares by George Ignatius Linka

Navalis St. John’s Day is held each year on May 15 in Prague, just before the saint’s feast day. The term “navalis” comes from the Latin Musica navalis, meaning ship music, in honor of Sancti Ioannis Nepomuceni. Venetian gondoliers travel to Prague annually for this event—John of Nepomuk is their patron saint and one of Venice’s eight patrons. His Baroque statue is the only one placed directly along the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.