Once again, for the third time in twelve years, I have been invited to participate in the traditional Easter Monday celebrations in the Moravian village of Banov in the east of the Czech Republic. It's a long while since I first got here, courtesy of my good friend Jan who introduced me to the world of folklore, dress, song and dance customary for this part of Moravia. Back then, we were younger, dumber, slimmer and less resistant to the lures of Slivovice, the fiery plum brandy served in every household we visit.
Now, eight years since my last visit, Jan's father Jiri is balding, but his energy, voice and joie de vivre is unbroken as we make the rounds through the village, come rain, wind or hell itself. We walk, talk, sing, dance a little, walk and sing some more, and everywhere we go, I witness the startling hospitality by the proud locals, welcoming us into their homes, serving snacks and their best homemade Slivovice. The day passes very quickly, and once again, it's been a pleasure and a privilege to have been invited with my camera.
No comments:
Post a Comment