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In what world do Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Iraq cozy up to one another? Try Prague 6 this Saturday. The Embassy Festival (Festival ambasád), now in its eighth year, transforms Vítězné náměstí into a global village where diplomacy takes the form of dumplings, spices, stews, and sweets.
Set for Saturday, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., this is Czechia’s largest international street food festival, with 56 participating countries represented by their embassies, honorary consulates, and chambers of commerce.
“In some cases, ambassadors and their spouses take part in the cooking process themselves,” says Stepan Mihule, a spokesperson for the event. He adds that last year's festival, organized by Prague 6 Municipality in collaboration with Farmářské Trhy, the organizers of Trhy na Kulaťáku, saw a record-breaking attendance of 20,000 visitors.
What to see, eat, and do this year
Among this year’s culinary highlights is Tunisia, which will offer visitors a taste of its rich North African culture. Guests can sample traditional Tunisian dishes, browse handmade crafts, and try henna or harkous designs, a form of body art unique to the region.
South Africa will fire up the grill to serve boerewors, a beloved spiced sausage served in freshly baked rolls, accompanied by tastings of South African beer, wine, marinades, and spices. Japan’s Miyabi restaurant will host a stall featuring authentic Japanese flavors and cultural offerings.
The Canadian booth will have maple ice cream, maple syrup, maple granola and traditional Canadian butter tarts. Kickflip Balkan Bistro represents Macedonian street eats with tangy ajvar, burek and burgers.
Families can head to Vietnam’s MOVA LAND zone, where hands-on workshops and traditional crafts will keep little ones entertained. Local international school Park Lane will have a tent with crafts and activities for kids as well while parents can sample and sip from Moravian wineries and Czech microbrewers.
Cultural performances include Mariachi Azteca from Mexico, Filipino group Igorots in the Czech Republic playing traditional gongs, a Chilean classical guitarist, and a Japanese drum and dance ensemble performing the Okinawan folk dance Eisā.
The festival will also feature the regular Market on Kulaťáku, held on Technická Street from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can browse a wide selection of farm-fresh produce, flowers, handmade snacks, and artisanal goods, including original artwork and crafts.
The event's origins
The Festival of Embassies: Food & Culture began with a simple idea from former Thai ambassador Narong Sasitorn in 2015, who suggested a culinary and cultural event bringing together Prague’s diplomatic community.
The first festival launched in 2016 at Vítězné náměstí and has since become an annual tradition—aside from a pandemic pause. This year marks its largest edition yet.
Organizers say that having ambassadors and official representatives on site creates an interesting space for cultural diplomacy, allowing Czechs and expats alike to interact directly with other members of their communities or those who represent their nations.
