The Dolňácko Festival of Songs and Dances held in Hluk once every three years (for almost seven decades) takes place in parallel with the annual Slovácko Festival of Brass Bands and is inextricably linked to national costumes and the Ride of the Kings. During the Festivities, the whole of Hluk is alive with a several-day program composed for a wide range of lovers of singing, dancing, brass bands, good food, drink and folklore. The surrounding vineyards and orchards are a reservoir for refreshments and amusement not only during the Festivities, but also throughout the rest of the year. Hluk is known mainly for the production of wine, slivovitz and as a hatchery for young musicians. Not only Hluk itself, but its wide surroundings are a rich folklore area, where perhaps every village has its own distinctive costume, its customs and its dialect, according to which they can be accurately distinguished with a little attention, even if they are only a few kilometers apart . Although Hluk is the youngest town in the Slovácko region, its history is richer and dates back to at least the 13th century, as evidenced by the medieval fortress, which is one of the town’s landmarks.
Today’s troop of riders must get acquainted with horseback riding , because it is no longer the same as in the past that they ride their own horses. The boys must choose someone who will be their king and also whom they will entrust with what function in the retinue. The pages usually and the king generally ride white horses and are disguised in festive women’s costumes with ribbons on their heads. Other riders are dressed in men’s costumes. In the right boots of high boots, the riders have poles with red or orange “Turkish” scarves. In the morning, the riders , accompanied by brass music (so far without shouting), arrive at the house of the king’s parents, where they ask for their consent. A similar ceremony follows in front of the town hall, during which they ask the mayor of the town for permission to hold the Ride of the Kings. Only then can they go around the city through the main streets with a massive shout. The king has his face covered with ribbons and holds a rose in his mouth as a sign of silence. The pages ride with their sabers naked and guard the king. If the king was robbed of the retinue by boys from a nearby village, it would be a great shame and a ransom in the form of wine or beer would have to come . However, it was more likely, but it used to be the other way around, that is , the people of Hluč themselves kidnapped the king somewhere in the vicinity and demanded a reward for his release. The “beggars” are equipped with wicker baskets to store gifts for summoning. Goods in liquid form, such as wine or plum brandy, are not stored anywhere, but consumed directly on the spot. A typical element of horse decoration in the Heart Noise is on the horse’s chest, which is further decorated with paper roses and ribbons woven into the mane.
After the lunch break, there is a festive and massive costumed procession, in which the Ride of the Kings is again included and everyone comes and comes together to the stadium, where the festivities culminate in an extensive program. The festivities have always been a manifestation of the activities of ethnographic enthusiasts, who organized not only the Ride of the Kings, but also costume parades and other events as an interesting and effective contribution to the treasury of national culture and to strengthen patriotic feelings and regional awareness. Thousands of satisfied visitors not only from far and wide, but from many parts of the world (including natives living overseas ) always experience unique moments during the Festivities, which are not immediately forgotten.
