Colors of Ostrava - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Residents of Ostrava are distinguished by a very calm and measured personality. It seems that no events can knock them out of their routine rhythm of life. They are never in a hurry and at the same time manage to do all the work and responsible matters on time. Foreign tourists should take into account that young people from among locals are not so good at foreign languages so it's best to speak to them in Czech or German. However, older people are often fluent not only in English but also in Russian and other foreign languages. Nevertheless, elderly people prefer to speak Czech too, so it’s worth remembering a few simple phrases in their native language before the trip.

Besides the unhurried nature, citizens are also known for being very superstitious. Here, everyone, from baby to long-lived centenarians, believes in ancient legends and can tell many stories about ghosts that can scare even brave skeptics. Such stories and legends are linked with literally every ancient castle and palace here. For curious tourists, they even organize special ghost-hunting tours. Tourists should respect all sorts of beliefs and legends and by no means laugh at them - such behavior can be offending.

Ostrava is a great place for tourists who want to feel like the typical townfolks while on their vacation and get closer acquainted with the everyday life of locals. The city received the status of a major tourist center relatively recently and has not yet been packed with entirely tourist-oriented restaurants and shops. Most restaurants serve traditional regional food and the favorite local drink - beer. In the evening, tables in many city restaurants are fully occupied. Visiting restaurants and pubs is also connected with some interesting traditions here. If the restaurant doesn't have free tables but there is an unfilled seat at one of the tables, new visitors can take it - this behavior is considered perfectly normal here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Throughout the year, Ostrava celebrates many beautiful and interesting holidays, and one of the most beloved by locals is Christmas. A month before it comes, the city starts changing before your very eyes. The streets are decorated with festive garlands, traditional holiday fairs open, and Christmas trees are installed on the main squares. According to one of the good traditions, it is customary to cook special types of holiday sweets specifically for Christmas. Vanilla bagels and honey cakes are always on the festive table. All the popular sweets can be bought at Christmas markets.

Christmas is usually celebrated at home. On Christmas Eve, all family members gather at the festive table on which the main holiday dishes are presented. The holiday feast is also linked with lots of beautiful beliefs and traditions. One of them has it that an even number of guests must be present at the table. If the number of people turns out to be odd, then one more additional plate is to be put on the table. All participants in the feast should put a coin under their plates and then keep it as a good luck talisman. All the dishes should be finished to the last crumb. All family members should get up from the table at the same time.

People of Ostrava observe hundreds of similar traditions, which accompany absolutely all traditional holidays. Along with that, the citizens can hardly be called conservative. They are not indifferent to all the trends of modern culture and are always open to something new. This is confirmed by the numerous interesting holidays and festivals that have originated in Ostrava in recent years. The Colours of Ostrava, an annual contemporary music festival held in July, brings together representatives of all possible musical genres on one stage.

Specifically for the festival, the city prepares several open-air stages, the largest of which are designed for 15,000 spectators. Dozens of concerts take place on them every day. Also, during the festival, theater performances and master classes in various areas of contemporary art are held in the city. It is noteworthy that children are always actively involved in the music festival, and a separate stage is equipped for children's shows. The annual music festival in Ostrava is now so popular that artists from all over the world are eager to take part in it. If you visit the city in the height of summer, you can enjoy all kinds of interesting street performances and gastronomic entertainment.