Czech Christmas Tree Ornaments

On December 22nd, 1812, the director of the Estates Theatre in Prague, Jan Karel Liebich, made history by introducing the first recorded Christmas tree to Czech soil. Despite resistance from Czech national revivalists, a group dedicated to preserving Czech traditions, Christmas trees gradually gained popularity and became widespread by the mid-20th century. Czech national revivalists...

Holidays

December 10, 2023

Czech Christmas Eve Traditions

Veselé Vánoce! A joyous Christmas to all from Everything Czech! In today’s special feature, we dive into the enchanting traditions of the holiday season as celebrated in the heart of the Czech lands. Much like in neighboring Slovakia and throughout central Europe, the 24th of December, Christmas Eve, takes center stage as the main event....

Holidays

December 4, 2023

Hermína Týrlová’s Czech Christmas Treasures

In today’s post, we step into the enchanting world of Hermína Týrlová’s Christmas-themed animated film shorts, where every frame is a tapestry of creativity and whimsy. As a prominent Czech animator, screenwriter, and film director, Týrlová’s masterful storytelling and innovative use of materials come to life in these beautifully crafted tales. Through her unique techniques,...

ENTERTAINMENT, Holidays, Movies

November 30, 2023

Christmas at the Rumcajs’ – Vánoce u Rumcajsů

“Vánoce u Rumcajsů” (Christmas at the Rumcajs’) is a charming and festive Czech tale that captures the spirit of Christmas in the world of Rumcajs and his family. In this story, set on the third Christmas, Rumcajs and Manka decide to get a carp for their Christmas Eve dinner. The narrative unfolds with delightful episodes,...

Childrens Books

November 28, 2023

Czech Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Cauliflower is significant in Czech cuisine and prominently featured in various traditional dishes. One popular Czech cauliflower dish is “Květáková polévka” or cauliflower soup. This dish often combines cauliflower with other vegetables, creating a flavorful and nourishing soup that can be enjoyed as a starter or a light meal. Most Americans are used to a...

Recipes

October 22, 2023

Jirí Trnka’s ‘The Devil’s Mill’

Jirí Trnka, a luminary in the world of stop-motion animation, left an indelible mark with his 1949 short film, ‘The Devil’s Mill’ (Certuv mlýn). Spanning a concise 21 minutes, this hauntingly atmospheric piece unfolds a fable set in a mysterious, moonlit night where a barrel organ grinder encounters the devil. Trnka’s genius shines through as...

ENTERTAINMENT, Movies

September 27, 2023

Toman the Czech Schindler

Zdeněk Toman was relatively unknown to most Czechs until recently, but his remarkable tale has gained widespread recognition thanks to a film bearing his name, which was released in 2018. Zdenek Toman, often referred to as “the Czech Schindler,” led a life filled with controversy and paradoxes. He is known for his role as both...

History, PEOPLE

September 17, 2023

Antonin Dvorak Movie Shares Romantic Life

In the world of classical music, few names shine as brightly as Antonin Dvorak. His compositions have left an indelible mark on the world’s musical heritage, and his journey from the heart of Europe to the bustling streets of New York City is the stuff of legend. But behind the genius of his symphonies and...

ENTERTAINMENT, Movies

September 15, 2023

American and Czech Writers across the Iron Curtain

As someone who thoroughly enjoys diving into the pages of a good book, today, I am delving into the intriguing narrative of The Nonconformists: American and Czech Writers across the Iron Curtain penned by Brian K. Goodman. The Cold War era was a tumultuous period in history marked by ideological clashes, political tensions, and the...

Books

August 29, 2023

First Czech Aviator Flew Between 1760 and 1770

His name was Vít Fučík and he was born on June 3, 1733, in Vitějovice, and died on November 29, 1804, in Klůs near Strpí. He is known as the First Czech Aviator. Vít Fučík engaged in aerial experiments by attaching wings he crafted himself. According to the existing literature, he conducted a total of four...

History, NOSTALGIA

August 27, 2023

The Legacy of Josef Walter and Waltrovka

Crafting today’s blog post has been an immersive journey, requiring hours of devoted research and delving into so many of my favorite subjects. Get ready to unravel an enthralling array of historical revelations, ones that are likely to be new and enlightening to you, all centered around the captivating legacy of Josef Walter. From the...

History, NOSTALGIA

August 26, 2023

The Czech Love Affair with Marjoram

Who has not heard of marjoram? This fragrant green spice is abundant in many traditional Czech dishes. Despite originating from the Mediterranean, marjoram has become a quintessential spice in Czech cuisine. Nothing can replace it in potato dishes like “bramboráčky” or “bramboračka”. Czech Marjoram is cultivated and processed in the Czech Republic, flourishing within the...

Food

August 22, 2023

Five Recipes from Czech Cuisine

I’m thrilled to bring you a selection of 5 mouthwatering Czech recipes sourced from one of my favorite cookbooks, ‘Czech Cuisine’ by Joza Břízová and Maryna Klimentová. My deep admiration for Czech culture and my love for the art of cooking prompted me to acquire this delightful cookbook upon its release in 1986 and I...

Recipes

August 5, 2023

Klára the Czech-American Trailblazer and Literary Ambassador

Klára Winlow-Vostrovská (aka Claire Winlow-Vostrovsky) was born on October 27, 1871, in West Point, Nebraska, within a thriving Czech community. Her parents, Jaroslav (Jerome) Vostrovský (1836-1901) and Anna Vostrovský (1839-1922) were Czech immigrants. Her father, originally from Selmice or Semin near Kladrub in eastern Bohemia, had migrated to the USA in 1863. During her childhood,...

Books, Women

July 18, 2023

Macocha Abyss – Beauty and Tragedy

Deep within Central Europe lies the Macocha Abyss, a place shrouded in both enchanting folklore and heartbreaking realities. With its unfathomable depth of 138 meters (453 ft) below ground level, this abyss holds a dark history that has captured the imagination of many. Legends and stories intertwine with the chilling present-day accounts, revealing the somber...

Czech Republic

July 16, 2023

Traditional Czech Karbanátky & Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Czech meat patties are known as karbanátky or karbanátky placky, are popular meat patties in Czech cuisine. While there may not be specific historical records or facts about the origin of karbanátky, they have been a traditional dish in Czech households for many years. Czech Karbanátky are typically made by combining minced meat (such as...

Food, Recipes