Festivals and Customs

Some of the festivals are celebrated in a slightly different way than in other European countries, as for example Easter which offers a festive and different tradition.

On Easter Sunday itself, it is a special tradition that the man has to slap his wife in the bottom with braided willow branches which may resemble a whip. It is called a ‘pomlázka' and has fine coloured ribbons attached to the branches. He has to slap the wife or girlfriend with it on Easter Sunday before 12 in the noon, but she might stop it by giving him a nicely decorated Easter egg. The husband must remember the deadline - before 12 in the noon, because otherwise she will have the pleasure of throwing a bucket of cold water in his head. The tradition must be seen as a declaration of love and in the weeks up to the tradition, the sale of nicely decorated Easter eggs in numerous versions is increasing.

Christmas is celebrated by eating something quite different than we are used to - namely the freshwater fish carp. It is either served boiled or fried. On Christmas Eve, it is not Santa Claus who gives away presents to the children but on the other hand, the Christ Child.

A very pleasant custom which is worth witnessing is the village custom "pálení čarodejnic". All villages must make a huge fire on 30 April and there is often competition between the neighbouring villages about who can make the biggest fire. In the old times, the purpose was to scare away possible witches from the fields. The witches were otherwise believed to spoil the fields with curses.