The Ride of the Kings

25. - 26. 2024

496+

folklore costumes

97

Kings in Vlčnov since 1909

34+

hours of dancing program

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About The Ride of the Kings

Ride of the Kings

The bright colours of national costumes and horse decorations, singing, music, traditional food and wonderful wine ­– all of this in spring in full bloom. The Ride of the Kings in Vlčnov is a magnificent parade of genuine Moravian Slovakia tradition.

Come and see it, hear it, taste it!

Ancient Tradition

The Ride of the Kings has been inherent in folklore since time immemorial. But the Ride in Vlčnov is extraordinary and the most famous one, and has existed for hundreds of years. The festival attracts thousands of visitors every year, and many of them come again regularly. The uniqueness of the Ride of the Kings in Vlčnov consists in the fact that the boys ride in the King’s entourage only once in their lives.

In 2011, the Ride of the Kings was added to the UNESCO representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Ride of the Kings

“All the young Vlčnov Boys, each on a black horse…”

What does all the show actually mean? The tradition is related to initiation. The riders in the King’s entourage are young, 18-year-old men who in the past were to be recruited. They have to demonstrate that they are able to ride a horse and are no longer little boys. The “recruits” collect presents for the King – a little boy from a local family – from spectators.

The event is accompanied by folk music, singing, dancing and of course excellent food and wine. And good home-made plum brandy is indispensable, too.

The Ride of the Kings Attracts Artists

The bright and merry event has attracted many artists. At the end of the 19th century, the celebration was immortalized by Joža Uprka in his most famous impressionistic painting, The Ride of the Kings. The region was also visited by Rodin, the French sculptor, and Alfons Mucha, the Czech painter. The serial Slovácko sa súdí (Moravian Slovakia on Trial) was partially filmed on locations in Vlčnov in the 1970s.

Jízda králů v obrazech

To better picture the festival, have a look at some photos of various parts of the programme.

Verbuňk Dancers of the Uherský Brod Region

On Friday, a regional round of the Verbuňk dancers’ competition takes place. Other photos are on Facebook...

King’s Rule Passes On

The mystery of Saturday evening’s ceremony, the Eve of the Ride of the Kings, means a connection between the past and...

Welcome to Vlčnov

Saturday afternoon performances by all the Vlčnov ensembles, choirs and music bands – including children’s ones...

Sunday Morning

A young boy from Vlčnov is chosen every year to be the King. He wears a girl’s national costume and holds a rose in...

The Ride of the Kings

The principal point of the festival is the Ride of the Kings. It is a procession of riders with the King among them...

For Visitors

Are you planning to visit the Ride of the Kings? Download the programme and all important information.

For sponsors

Sponsor an event that is seen by thousands of visitors.

The Ride of the Kings in the Media

Get a better feel of the Ride of the Kings with articles published in the media.

Kontakt

Klub sportu a kultury Vlčnov, příspěvková organizace