LIVE THE TRUE #SOCZECH EXPERIENCE

Travellers often look for experiences that are authentic and unique when traveling to a specific destination. Simply to live like a local for a bit.

Why not to stop all the running around for a while and just enjoy something that’s been around for centuries?

Traditions touch every part of the Czech Republic. From crafts that have been preserved by generation after generation, to recipes closely guarded by families, to traditional festivals that are part of the national heritage.

Modern trends and innovations have emerged from these deep cultural roots without forgetting their traditional heritage.

Tradition and know-how have been transformed into new and original facets of design, fashion and gastronomy. All of these and more still shine through in modern Czech life.

SOUTH MORAVIA

In South Moravia more than anywhere else you can truly experience traditions with all your senses. This region is the cradle of wine making in the Czech Republic.

The region is scattered with beautiful vineyards and magical wine cellars that offer wine tasting at every corner. An example of these wine cellars are called Plže – blue cellars that entice visitors for wine tasting and photo shoots.

In this region you will also hear the sounds of folk music. You will witness dancers dressed in opulent local costumes who transform their dance into an acrobatic show.

We’re talking about „verbuňk“, a folk dance that's listed on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.

A competitive male solo dance with hops, jumps, and squats performed at an accelerating tempo! In 2011 new entry to UNESCO list was The Ride of the Kings. Magnificent parade in Moravian Slovakia that's existed for hundreds of years.

The uniqueness of the Ride of the Kings in Vlčnov demonstrates the fact that the boys can ride in the King’s entourage only once in their lives and it’s a great honour.

The most unique UNESCO protected craft in the South Moravia is blueprint, a historical resist-dyeing method of textiles. The blueprint of Olešnice and Strážnice has been maintained by two families. Dying linen and later cotton with indigo is an ancient technique, and here you can make your own pattern and get to know the unique tradition that visitors from across the globe travel here to see.

So, where can you see all these textiles? In Strážnice Skanzen. Here, visitors will fall in love with folklore, so much that they might feel like taking a piece of it home – at least a painted mug with blueprint pattern.

BRNO

It will probably not surprise you that you can still find folklore traditions in Brno, the capital of South Moravia. Mardi Gras, kermesse, folklore festivals – all of these can be experienced here throughout the year!

On the other hand, a bit of a surprise might be that Brno has a long tradition of coffeehouses. After all, it was here that the very first café in the Czech lands – the Turk Ahmed’s – was established in 1702.

Café culture was booming during the so-called First Republic when the functionalist gems such as the Era or Zeman cafés were built. After a long break, the coffeehouse culture arose again around 2000. And now?

You can get a cup of coffee prepared by a renowned barista on almost every corner. It is no coincidence that Brno is the Mecca of cafés and the foodie paradise of the Czech gastro scene.

Another fun fact is that Brno used to be called the Moravian Manchester. As early as in 1764, the first fine broadcloth manufacturer started its operation. In the 19th century, Brno was already a woollen power and a strong industrial metropolis.

Thanks to textile magnates we can now admire the jewels of modern architecture of the 20th century, and the Löw-Beer, Stiassni and Tugendhat Villas can even be visited by the public. The textile industry tradition is maintained by the Nová Mosilana company, which is the largest producer of woollen fabrics in Czechia.

The legacy is kept by numerous local design brands that have their little stores scattered around Brno.

Explore these to get the best souvenir on your trip!