The Czech Republic boasts a total of four national traditions entered on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. These are:
- Falconry, the ancient art of hunting with the help of birds of prey.
- The Slovácko Verbuňk recruit dances.
- The Ride of the Kings in Vlčnov.
- The Shrovetide door-to-door processions and the masks in the villages of the Hlinecko area
Falconry in the Czech Republic
The art of hunting with birds of prey dates back several millenniums. The Bohemian lands have been meeting with falconry in their territory since the 9th century. Annual celebrations ensure that this ancient art is not forgotten. The greatest development of falconry occurred in the Middle Ages. The history of falconry in the Czech lands dates back hundreds of years. Often you will see demonstrations of falconry in the courtyards of Bohemian and Moravian castles and chateaux, such as Sychrov, Točník, Český Šternberk, Kost, Dobříš, Ohrada and Křivoklát. In the courtyards of one of these historical treasures, you can witness a special bond between these majestic birds and their owners.
Moravian-Slovakian Verbuňk
Moravian Slovakia is a region where folk traditions and folklore are an integral part of life. In this diverse region of colours and flavours, you can immerse yourself in a swirl of dancing, parades and festivals that are hundreds of years old, which people manage to live to the full to this very day. A special place among these is held by the men’s dance Verbuňk.
Ride of the Kings
The Ride of the Kings from Moravian Slovakia is a unique tradition in the Czech Republic. You can experience it during the last weekend in May in several villages and towns in Moravian Slovakia and Haná. However only in Vlčnov, where it has a tradition dating back more than 200 years, is it held every year.
Shrovetide processions from the Hlinecko Region
Every year, during the days when winter slowly gives way to spring, many villages in the Hlinecko Region hold colourful and merry carnival processions that travel from house to house, delivering joy, health and happiness to everyone they visit. Thanks to their strong tradition, which has beeen passed down from generation to generation, reaches their history far back into the past.
