Ride of the Kings in Vlčnov

The Ride of the Kings – a unique and colourful tradition practiced in only four south-east Moravian villages took place in the village of Vlčnov on Sunday.

The ride refers to the flight of Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus from Czech King George of Poděbrady in the 15th century and involves a festive ride through the village with a boy portraying the monarch dresses in a traditional women’s folk costume to ‘mask’ his identity.

The event which involves months of preparations ends with a big celebration, dancing, drinking and merrymaking.

The Ride of the Kings is on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.