Ride of the Kings in Vlčnov
A traditional folklore festival registered on the UNESCO list
In the southeast of Moravia, about 9 km southeast of Uherské Hradiště, in the picturesque village of Vlčnov, a unique folklore festival takes place every year – the Ride of the Kings. This living tradition, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages, captures the hearts of visitors.
Since 2011, this celebration has been inscribed on the UNESCO list as an intangible heritage of humanity.
A centuries-old tradition
The riding of kings has been an integral part of folk culture since time immemorial. But the one in Vlčnov is exceptional, the most popular, and has over several hundred years of tradition behind it. It always takes place on the last Sunday in May.
A rich program is prepared throughout the day. Visitors can see costumed parades, performances by folk ensembles, visit craft markets with regional products, taste traditional Slovak specialties and watch folklore performances.
Solemn Holy Mass
Sunday's main program begins with a solemn Holy Mass in the local church.
Photography after mass
Mass is followed by a photographing of the costumed royal procession on the steps of the church.
Reception at the town hall
From the church, a ceremonial procession of the king and legrouts – eighteen-year-old boys and attendants – girls of the same age, goes to the town hall, where he asks the mayor for permission.
Machining horses in the families of the king and horsemen
The morning is then dedicated to decorating horses and riders. Passers-by are offered refreshments and something sharper to drink.
Musical accompaniment
Of course, the greatest attention is paid to the grooming of the king's horse. The intricate decoration takes quite a long time, so a local folk band plays for it. Of course, the dulcimer must not be missing in it.
The ride of the king
The most important part of the festival is the ride of the king. The king, dressed in splendid costume, rides on horseback at the head of the procession. He has two aides at his side, followed by dozens of riders on richly decorated horses.
Procession of the royal party
The members of the procession descend from many places and then the procession gradually passes through the entire village.
Parents of the king
The proud parents of the king are very important members of the procession.
King
The king is always a little boy between the ages of 10 and 12, who while riding is dressed in girl's clothes and has a white rose in his mouth.
The king's horse is flanked by two footmen with drawn sabers. Being chosen as king is always a great honor for a family in a village.
Royal retinue
Legrůti – summoners on horses in wolf costumes accompany the king. The horses are decorated with ribbons and stylized flowers.
Summons
The king's retinue asks the onlookers for financial donations by jokingly calling out „challenges“ with the words: „For the king, mother, for the king“ Then they specify: „We have a poor but very honest king“. Finances are put in their shoes or thrown into money boxes attached there.
Folklore festival in the amphitheater
The Ride of the Kings is a great folklore festival where the entire village is transformed into a pulsating heart of tradition, history and folklore. The local open-air amphitheater hosts performances by folklore groups throughout the day.
Thousands of visitors
The festival attracts thousands of visitors every year, and many of them return regularly. It is also unique in that the boys ride in the royal retinue only once in their lifetime.
Famous visitors
It is often possible to meet well-known personalities among the visitors of the festival
Wolf huts
On the north-eastern edge of the village there is a large, heritage-protected area of vineyard buildings of folk architecture – sheds. These clay, half-timbered or brick vineyard buildings are characterized by white plaster with a blue plinth.
