Ride of Kings

Name: Ride of Kings
Start: 2025-05-23
End: 2025-05-24
Location: Vlčnov

A Festival of Horses and Color Where Moravian Legends Come Alive

2026/05/22 - 2026/05/23

The Ride of Kings (Jízda králů) is a traditional equestrian parade held every May in the village of Vlčnov, South Moravia, Czech Republic. With a history of over 200 years and recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this festival features a spectacular procession of riders in folk costumes and lavishly decorated horses. For one weekend, the entire village is wrapped in color, music, and legend—a truly special experience for anyone seeking authentic European folklore and festive culture.

The sound of hooves on cobblestone, the shimmer of embroidered costumes, the fragrance of blooming lilacs and fresh bread, the taste of local wine and koláče pastries… On festival weekend, Vlčnov becomes a living storybook. Every sense is awakened to the pride and legend of Moravia.

Main Attractions

The King’s Procession

The climax of the festival is the King’s Equestrian Procession. Over 100 horses and riders in traditional dress parade through the village, centered around a “King”—a local boy with his face veiled, dressed in women’s clothing, and holding a rose in his mouth. The King’s guards, also boys, ride alongside and recite rhyming verses to the crowd. The solemnity and celebration are interwoven, with music, singing, and the rhythm of hooves filling the streets.

Folk Music, Dance, and Craft Market

Throughout the weekend, the town is alive with folk bands, dancers, and a craft market selling hand-painted Easter eggs, pottery, and embroidery. The sound of fiddles, the aroma of grilled sausages, the clinking of glasses, and the smiles and laughter of locals create a warm Moravian welcome.

Costumes and Decorations

Participants wear “kroje,” traditional folk costumes featuring hand-embroidered blouses, vests, ribbons, lace, and beads. Horses are adorned with flowers, ribbons, and ornate harnesses, while houses along the route are decorated with lilacs and banners. The tactile richness of the fabrics and the visual beauty of the colors are unforgettable.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of the Ride of Kings date back to the 15th century and are linked to the legend of Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus (Mátyás Corvinus). According to tradition, King Corvinus disguised himself in women’s clothing, covered his face, and held a rose in his mouth to escape his enemies—a story reflected in the festival’s “King.” Similar legends exist in other Moravian towns and Slovakia, but Vlčnov is especially known for preserving the tradition strictly and with great pride.

Some historians believe the festival also has roots in even older pagan spring rituals celebrating fertility and renewal, as well as rites of passage for young men. The procession, costumes, verse recitations, and flower-bedecked horses and homes all symbolize rural prosperity and communal vitality. In the 19th century, the festival was revived as a symbol of national identity, and throughout the 20th century—including times of war and socialism—it remained a core of local culture.

Today, the Ride of Kings is a rite of passage for local boys chosen as the “King” or his guards, with families and the entire village preparing for weeks. As a UNESCO-listed “living tradition,” it attracts visitors from across the Czech Republic and abroad, sharing Moravian pride and community bonds with the world.

Participant Voices

Watching the King’s procession gave me goosebumps. The horses, costumes, and music made me feel like I’d stepped into a legend.

Fun Facts

The “King” is always a local boy aged 10–15, dressed in women’s clothing with his face veiled and a rose in his mouth.
Only boys from local families are chosen as King or guards—a true rite of passage.

Festival Dates

The Ride of Kings takes place every May in Vlčnov, South Moravia. Arrive early, explore the craft market, and experience the “magic of Moravia” woven by horses, costumes, and legend.