Ride of the Kings in Vlčnov, Moravia
"Today was a Ride of the Kings in Vlčnov. Beautiful photos from Fotograf Radovan Chvíla. Here is some history: The Ride of the Kings is a festival that is celebrated in Spring, at the Pentecost, in Moravia, the south-east of the Czech Republic. In 2011, it was added to the UNESCO. It is celebrated annually in the village of Vlčnov (pop.3,000).
The ceremony begins with a religious service and the approval of the Mayor, followed by the preparation of the costumes and decorations for the horses and riders. These are made by the women of the villages, according to traditional colors and designs unique to each place. The Ride itself is performed by young men who are between 15 and 25 years old. They are preceded and followed by singers and an honor guard wearing unsheathed swords to protect the “King”; a young boy of 10 to 15 years old, whose face is partially covered, holding a rose in his mouth. The King and his groomsmen are dressed in feminine costumes, while all the other riders wear masculine clothing. After riding through the village for a few hours, sometimes exchanging witticisms with the crowd, the participants return home then, later in the evening, meet at the “King’s House” for music and dancing.
How did it all [start]? It is probably a remnant of the pagan rites of the pre-Christian Slavs on Pentecost. Historical facts and romantic legends are added to this. The most popular is the one about the escape of the Hungarian king Matthias Korvín from Jiřík of Poděbrady. After the defeat at Bílovice, Matyáš fled towards the Hungarians, disguised in a girl’s dress. And it is said that the ride of the kings was created in memory of these events. A few cheerful details were traditionally added to this. The king has a rose in his mouth so as not to reveal himself even with his voice. I will add some videos to my stories."
