Luhačovice Fashank will be spiced up by the Bobkovníci from Bystřice with the dance Under the Sabre

"For the first time this year, our dear guests, the Bobkovníky from Bystřice pod Lopeníkem, will support the festival. The men and their commander Bobek defended the village from Turkish raiders. The dance called "Under the Sabre" will represent the fight with sabres at that time. A group of ten young men jump over sabres, an accordion plays, and "k the shochet" collects money or goods in kind. But watch out, the girls will be jumping too!" said Jarmila Ďurďová, head of culture and tourism at KKC Elektra.

The beginning of the "Under the Sabre" sabre dance dates back to the 17th century in Bystřice pod Lopeníkem, when militia patrols were stationed on the surrounding hills. Their commander was one Bobek, after whom the troop was named. The men were very successful in their actions, their main weapon being the sabre.

When the threat of military danger had passed, it became a tradition that once a year the troop danced the "Pod sable" dance around the village, collecting subsistence goods. This was an event during the Carnival revelry, the Monday before Ash Wednesday, when the Christian calendar says the Lenten season begins. In recent years, however, the event has been held on the weekend before Mardi Gras, because there are more people at home at that time and thus more people can participate in the event.

The Bobkovníky costume is festive, worn in the villages of the Bystřice parish, i.e. in Bánov, Suchá Loza and Bystřice pod Lopeníkem. Instead of a large white blouse, a white coat called a "brunclek" is worn - this is because a large blouse would get in the way of dancing. Red Turkish scarves, knotted especially for this purpose, are worn by the Bobkovníci to enhance the colour and beauty of the costume. But they are the preserve of women, men do not use them at other times.

Categories: Tourism, What to do in Luhačovice, Why to Luhačovice, Luhačovice, Fashank, Dance, Mardi Gras