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Folklore & Culture
Experience the authentic magic of South Moravia Folklore. While a nick for this area is “Moravian Tuscany” due to its breathtaking rolling vineyards and wave-like hills, its true soul belongs to the region of Slovácko. Here, the traditions are not just for show. They are a vibrant way of life.
From Iconic Landscapes to South Moravia Folklore
The name Moravian Tuscany was originally inspired by the unique hills that remind photographers of the Italian countryside. However, for the local people, this land is, and always has been, Slovácko.
To truly understand this region, one must look beyond the camera lens. Exploring South Moravia folklore means stepping into a world where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by the richness of our heritage. Whether you are here for the photo-op or the history, the authentic spirit of our traditions will leave a lasting impression on your heart.
Why Experience Our Local South Moravia Folklore?
The culture of the Kyjov region and its surrounding villages is among the most well-preserved in the Czech Republic. Unlike static open-air museums, our folklore is a breathing part of daily life. Within the picturesque settings of the Moravian Tuscany landscape, you can witness these customs in their purest, unedited form.
- South Moravian Costumes (Kroj): These are not merely decorative outfits, but intricate works of art. Each village in the Slovácko region has its own unique pattern, color palette, and style of embroidery and its details.
- Traditional Music: The soul-stirring sounds of the cimbalom bands (cimbálová muzika) provide the essential soundtrack to every evening spent in a local wine cellar.
- Year-round Festivals: From the celebratory “Hody” (summer and autumn feasts in villages and towns) to the colorful and spirited Shrovetide (Fašank) in winter, there is always a reason to celebrate.
UNESCO Cultural Heritage: The Pride of South Moravia Folklore
Our region is surrounded by customs so unique they have been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. These deep-rooted traditions define the identity of South Moravia.
1. Slovácko Verbuňk (The Recruit Dance)
This intense, improvised male folk dance is a spectacular display of rhythm, power, and emotion. Danced exclusively by men and boys, it is a dance of expression, agility, and local pride. No folklore celebration or evening in a wine cellar is complete without it.
2. The Ride of the Kings (Jízda králů)
While the most famous annual “Ride of the Kings” takes place in the town of Vlčnov (located about 40 km east of Kyjov), you can also experience this majestic ceremony right here in Moravian Tuscany. In Kyjov, this ancient tradition is celebrated exclusively once every four years as a major highlight of the Slovácký rok folklore festival. It features a young king with a rose in his mouth, riding a beautifully decorated white horse through the town in a magnificent procession of custom-wearing local people.
3. Blueprint Printing (Modrotisk)
This traditional indigo dyeing technique is another UNESCO-recognized gem, instantly recognizable by its beautiful combination of a deep blue background and crisp white patterns. Instead of just basic geometric shapes, the fabrics are adorned with intricate folklore motifs, flowers, and ornaments of various sizes.
Modrotisk is incredibly popular even today. Local designers and folklore enthusiasts use it to sew modern everyday clothing—especially stylish skirts and dresses, as well as accessories like scarves, and home decor items including tote bags, tablecloths, placemats, and pillows. It is also sold as fabric by the meter, which ranks among the more premium and expensive textiles due to the demanding, handcrafted nature of its production. If you want to experience the craft firsthand, you can even attend creative workshops directly in the traditional production printing houses located in nearby towns like Strážnice or Veselí nad Moravou.
Major Cultural Event: Slovácký Rok, Folklore Festival in Kyjov
If you want to experience the true essence of our region, there is no event more significant than Slovácký rok (The Slovácko Year) in Kyjov. Held only once every four years, it is the oldest and most prestigious regional folklore festival in the country.
📅 Mark Your Calendars: August 13–15, 2027 This four-day festival transforms the entire town of Kyjov into a massive, living stage. Its scale, authenticity, and cultural importance make it a “must-see” for every culture enthusiast and photographer.
What to expect at Slovácký rok:
- The Grand Parade: Watch thousands of participants from all surrounding villages march in their finest, most intricate folk costumes. It takes place on Saturday afternoon (usually starts at 3pm).
- The Ride of the Kings: Experience this majestic and ancient ceremony, which serves as a highlight of the Sunday program.
- Non-stop Music and Dancing: From professional folklore ensembles to spontaneous singing on the streets.
- Craft Fair: Explore a massive showcase of traditional craftsmanship, from hand-painted ceramics to hand-woven textiles.
- Wine and Local Delicacies:Taste the finestlocal winesdirectly from regional winemakers, paired with traditional South Moravian food and snacks that you won’t find anywhere else.
Wine, Cakes, and South Moravia Folklore: An Inseparable Bond
In South Moravia, wine and folklore are two sides of the same coin. The vineyards that create the iconic “waves” of Moravian Tuscany are the same ones that produce the wine served at our festivals.
No experience here is complete without tasting our traditional Moravian cakes “kolache” (koláče). These small, hand-made pastries are filled with curd, poppy seeds, or plum jam. They are a symbol of local hospitality. When you visit a local wine cellar (sklep), you aren’t just tasting wine; you are participating in a cultural ritual. Often, a glass of wine is followed by a folk song, creating an atmosphere of joy and peace that defines our people. Every local family guards their own secret recipe, which is typically passed down from generation to generation. If you want to dive deeper into this sweet tradition, you can check out our Moravian Cakes Guide to discover how they are made.
Plan Your Cultural Journey
Whether you are a photographer looking for the perfect shot of a dancer in a field of “Moravian Tuscany” waves or a traveler seeking an authentic connection with locals, Moravian Tuscany offers an unforgettable cultural experience.
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