Southern Slovácko, the territory between the towns Hodonín and Břeclav, is one of the very interesting, ancient ethnographic region.
The largest part of this area is called Podluží since long time ago. The name is derived from the typical character of this region – a standing water - known here as „luže“. Podluží region is then an area under the alluvial forests, in the southernmost corner of the country of Moravia, on the right bank of the Morava River before confl uence with Dyje river. Variety and diversity of southern Slovácko is as well supplied by the neighbouring regions´villages - Čejkovice (belonging to the area of Hanácko - Slovácko), Ratíškovice and Dubňany (representing Kyjovsko region) and last but not least, an original village Rohatec. Nowaday, the rich folk and cultural traditions are mostly associated with these regions. Especially the beauty of Podluží ´s folk costumes, perfection and the color of its embroidery, which held attention of collectors and experts from the mid-19th century. Although the biggest treasures of folk culture and art is now found and admired in museums, southern Slovácko is offering authentic continuation and attentive visitor will fi nd its character at every step. Why should you come then and what local ethnographic regions offer to you?
Almost every village carefully preserves its monuments of folk architecture, so white lime plaster, blue skirting board and varied range of plant ornaments with a typical Podluží´s heart or apple still decorate Slovácko´s chalets, Calvaries, chapels or wine-cellars and wine-shacks. Beautiful countryside around the villages and the presence of alluvial forests is long formed by agricultural activity and wine-growing creates its distinctive character above all. To be sure that Dolní Bojanovice´s Riesling was served out in the imperial court in Vienna and its new varieties are successfull and often awarded at various exhibitions. Bytheway, wine-growing and wine culture penetrate whole folklore life of the region. It is not only kept with love and passion by the older, but also, and what is gratifying, by the youngest generation. Carnivals, folk costume balls, feast and small feast, gathering by the cymbalo or folklore festivals as ethnographic celebration „Podluží in songs and dances“ in Tvrdonice present current developments of folk costumes, cymbalom music and especially of folk dances. The high value of Slovácko´s dance „verbuňk“, its unique place in the world cultural heritage of humanity is demonstrated by its inclusion on the UNESCO list.
Folk traditions are handed in future generations, distinctive character of wine villages, proverbial hospitality, good Slovácko ´s cuisine and wine are for sure reasons to visit the southernmost corner of the Czech Republic. „So, Welcome!“
Life of the Slovácko´s village had its inevitable rhythm, working days changed for days off , life passed according to season and in accordance with liturgical calendar. A life was enriched by various customs and ceremonies, which were often very old and probably of before christianity origin, and accompanied the residents from cradle to grave. Although just a fraction of folk traditions and customs have survived till these days, they are succesfully maintained and developed due to the activities of local Slovácko´s clubs, folk costume bands and folklore ensembles in last few years. And what from the annual customes of Slovácko survived here?“
The fi rst months of the year are in sign of fun, folk costume balls, pig-slaughtering, and this period culminates in carnival – walkabout of carnival dancers, musicians and a parade of masks (bear, goat, horse, Gypsy, Turkish motives). So far, we can see in some villages an ancient dance of free boys „pod šablema „,which means, that each housekeeper sticks on dancing boys´swords (now wooden) pieces of bacon, donuts, and other delicacies. Unrestricted joy ends by midnight by „burying of contrabass“.
According to the Catholic tradition, on Ash Wednesday begins a Lenten period of 40 days. Other maintained traditions of Easter cycle, thanks to ethnographic ensembles are, carrying of Death, called Morana, from the village and thus burying of winter and calling of life-giving spring. The Holy Week is known for baking of „sweet Judas“ on the Ugly Wednesday, and especially for boys´ rattling on Maundy Thursday and on Good Friday, when a noise of wooden clapper replaces the sound of silent bells. Seriousness and Lent of the previous days is changed for a festive walk of boys and married men – called „mužáci“ on Easter Monday. Bands in folk costumes walk around the houses, where single girls live and they beat these girls with rod of osier with colourful ribbons. For this „šlahačka“ they can enjoy rich entertainment and traditionally decorated Easter eggs.
In May slim Maypole with decorative top appears as a manifestation of love of inlove boys in front of the windows of single girls.
Summer months are then in sign of a fi rst feasts. With feast is associated most preserved customs and nowadays, it is the largest social event and showcase of traditional folk costumes and music for every single village. Celebrations are in charge of in winter elected elders. Feast begins with playing and raising of the Maypole, followed by a rich parade and dance entertainment.
On Monday married men are enjoying themselves, on Tuesday the married women, in the end you cannot miss fi nal feast. Feast, of course, is an opportunity for acquiring new folk costume parts, but it also includes large household cleaning, preparation of feast cakes and all the traditional holiday meals.
Not even work and life of wine-keepers is without singing, storytelling and ancient ceremonies, which are to protect the vineyards and ensure the quality and quantity of wine. The most signifi cant ceremony is „mountain driving“. It‘s a ritual of closing the vineyards at the time of ripening of the grapes, and it is associated with reading of special rights. This happens from mid-August to mid-September. Last feast must end on the 25th November, on the day of St. Catherine, because then come four weeks Advent period preceding the Christmas.
