Thanks to its splendour, the Vlcnov Festival accompanied by the traditional Ride of the Kings has become one of the most frequently visited folklore festivals in the Czech Republic. (photo: jizdakralu.vlcnov.cz/)

In the 19th century, the practice of this custom could be evidenced in nearly all of Moravia. Today, its annual tradition is further developed only in Vlčnov. The ride or parade consists of a group of horse riders centered around a king carried on a white horse.

The king is a juvenile boy dressed up in an old-fashioned woman's folk costume, his hands proudly placed on his hips and his lips pressed together to firmly hold a rose and thus symbolize taciturnity.

At his sides, two adjutants (pageboys) are on horseback and protect the king by holding unsheathed sabers in their hands. Riding horses decorated with ribbons, the boys go around the town and chant witty verses to celebrate their king and ask for gifts on his behalf. The parade is led by an announcer calling out the words of an ancient message...

Overview of programme

Friday 29th May 2009

18.00            Opening of exhibition of paintings

20.00 Competition fot the best "Verbuňk" dancers from the Region of Uherský Brod – special folklore program concerned to dance "verbunk" – an individual men's dance of Moravian Slovakia, which has been proclaimed as "masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage of humanity" by UNESCO.

Saturday 30th May 2009

14.00            Traditional folk products fair

14.30            “Vlcnovjane” Brass Band concert

16.00            Welcome to Vlcnov – performances by Vlcnov ensembles and its guest

19.00            “King's rule passes on”– programme featuring the King's train

19.00            Till the dawn – evening and night with dulcimer bands and traditional local folk songs in the “budy” – Vlcnov wine cellars

Sunday 31st May 2009

8.00            Holy mass for the King's Train, 18-year-old young ladies and the king

8.00            Traditional folk products fair

9.15            The King's Train is received by the Mayor of Vlcnov

10.00            Children's folklore ensembles - village green stage

10.00            “Merry is the village” – dance demonstration by folklore ensembles, concerts of brass bands and exhibitions in the town

11.30            Ride of the Kings – a ride of the King and his train on horses decorated with colourful ribbons through the village

13.00            Songs for the King - performances of folklore ensembles

14.00            The King’s train rides at the head of the Folk Costumes Parade

14.45            Arrival of the folk costume procession and the Ride of the Kings at the stadium

15.15            “Songs for the King” – continuation

16.00            Musicians' Farewell with a brass band at the Sports and Culture Club