Encyclopedia of Bohemian and Czech American Biography

Today we’re sharing a message from the Czech Ambassador who praises Mila Rechcigl’s Encyclopedia of Bohemian and Czech-American Biography. You’re surely familiar with some of Mila’s work by now because he has been kind enough to allow us to share some of it here at Tres Bohemes. The work we’re looking at today was published...

Books, ENTERTAINMENT

May 31, 2017

Best Dancer Ever Fred Astaire and His Prague Roots

Fred Astaire (orig. Austerlitz) (1899- 1987), was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He was an American dancer, choreographer, singer, musician and actor, and is regarded by many as the greatest popular-music dancer of all time. His stage and subsequent film and television careers spanned a total of 76 years, during which he made 31 musical films,...

ENTERTAINMENT, Movies

May 29, 2017

The Uniqueness of Czech Character

Today we are sharing a wonderful guest post on Czech character by Mila Rechcigl. The images included in the post were selected by me… An uninformed person may wonder what is so special about the Czech character. Let me assure you at the outset that it really exists. I should know, being a Czech myself, and...

Bohemians, PEOPLE

May 28, 2017

Bourgeois Cafés of Prague: Café Savoy

Café Savoy Established in 1893, the luxurious wood interiors of this café immediately transport you to another time and place and you feel as though you are back in the time of Czechoslovakia’s First Republic. The high ceilings and general architecture of the place makes you feel you are dining somewhere grand, and you are. It must...

PLACES, Prague

May 26, 2017

Marvin Hamlisch and His Czech Roots

The famed composer / conductor Marvin Frederick Hamlisch (1944 -2012), a native of NYC, was one of only twelve people to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (also known as an EGOT). The provided excerpt offers just a glimpse into the extensive article. To unlock the full content, become a Patreon patron. Our team meticulously...

ENTERTAINMENT, Music

May 24, 2017

Inspiration for a Great Gatsby Dance Party – Czech Style!

Are you looking for some inspiration for a Great Gatsby Dance Party – Czech style? We figured you may be since the BBLA (Bohemian Benevolent & Literary Association) announced that they are having a Great Gatsby Dance Party on Friday, June 9, 2017 from 7:00 – 11:00 pm at the Bohemian National Hall. Get ready, get set and get in a...

Fashion, NOSTALGIA, Retro Chic

May 22, 2017

Extraordinary Voyages of Jules Verne

My son who is currently in Prague went to see The Extraordinary Voyages of Jules Verne the other night and said it was amazing. Immediately, I looked into it and did a little bit of research, and indeed it looks like a show not to be missed. The show takes the audience into a world in which...

ENTERTAINMENT, Theater

May 21, 2017

Bourgeois Cafés of Prague: Café Imperial

Café Imperial The oldest record of anything at this site dates back to 1383, when there existed a malt house on the property. This was completely destroyed in the Thirty Years War and not significantly built upon again until 1840 when it opened as Hotel U Černého orla, (Hotel at Black eagle). Café Imperial was established...

PLACES, Prague

May 19, 2017

Fašírka or a Czech Version of Scotch Eggs

Fašírka, or a Czech Version of Scotch Eggs, is usually prepared during cold winter months. Because it is a minced meat, it’s easier on the digestive system and cooks quicker than something like a roast. Another advantage is cost because ground meats mixed with bread and other ingredients used as filler saves a family money. Those...

LIFESTYLE, Recipes

May 17, 2017

The Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa in Prague

Located right next to the U.S. Embassy, the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa in Prague is located in the most prestigious part of the historical center, just a five minute walk from Charles Bridge. Housed in a landmark building, the Alchymist Grand Hotel is a UNESCO protected Baroque landmark. For this structure was once known as the “House at...

Hotels, PLACES

May 16, 2017

American Czechs and their Religious Beliefs

American Czechs and their Religious Beliefs (1) At the time of the mass migration of Czechs to America, according to the Austrian statistics, 960 Catholics, 22 Protestants, 16 Jews and less than 1 percent of agnostics lived in Bohemia, among 1,000 inhabitants. After they came to America, the statistics looked quite differently. Take for example...

Bohemians, PEOPLE

May 14, 2017

The Oldest Czech Catholic Church in the United States

The Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, Iowa, which dates back to 1860, is the oldest Czech Catholic church in the United States. St. Wenceslaus was built with the hard work and generosity of Czech settlers that emigrated to the area. Those who were proud of their Czech roots and heritage. The original church was...

Architecture, CULTURE

May 12, 2017

Exploring the Town of Dobřichovice

Dobřichovice is a small town located in the Prague-West District (in the Central Bohemian Region), in the Czech Republic. It lies on both banks of the river Berounka, about 16 miles south-west of Prague. The town of Dobřichovice is situated just about mid way between Karlštejn Castle (one of the most famous landmarks in all...

Czech Republic, PLACES

May 10, 2017

Czechoslovakian May Day in 1956 – The Forced Parade

Today I stumbled across some old color photographs from Czechoslovakian May Day in 1956 from Life Magazine and their photographer Frank Scherschel. The parade is taking place down Václavské náměstí or Wenceslas Square, located in the heart of Prague. From 1918 until 1938, Czechoslovakia had been a liberal, west-orientated state, valuing democratic principles, such as freedom of...

History, NOSTALGIA

May 8, 2017

Harsh Beginnings of Czech Settlers in America

At the time of the mass immigration of Czechs to America, in the midst of the 19th century (1), as Tomáš Čapek wrote, the first immigrants, as a rule, settled near seaside cities, near lakes and waterways and, later, also along the railroad lines. Thus, at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, they formed colonies...

History, NOSTALGIA

May 7, 2017

Bourgeois Cafés of Prague: Café Louvre

Café Louvre Established in 1902, this is your quintessential Viennese café, located in Prague. The communists closed this popular cafe for many years because it was believed to only attract the most bourgeois clientele. People like Albert Einstein, Franz Kafka and President Thomas G. Masaryk would frequent often. It’s the kind of place and artist...

PLACES, Prague