czechia

The Origin of the Bohemian Name

Before the Czechs were Czech, they were Bohemian, beginning with Roman-named Celtic “Boii” people. The Germans called the land “Böhmen” while the Romans called it “Boiohaemum,” meaning the history of the Boii continued to influence the land long past their existence there, even by the time the Czechs began living there. Translated to English, these names became “Bohemia,” where “Bohemians” lived, before they were finally known as Czechoslovakians, then as Czechs and Slovakians in their respective nations.

Ten Popular Breweries in the Czech Republic

Ten Popular Breweries in the Czech Republic

Ten small breweries in the Czech Republic that you should Czech out!

Celebrating Czech Heritage in America

Celebrating Czech Heritage in America

In 2019, over 2 million people in the United States reported being of Czech or Slovak heritage, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Many of these individuals are descendants of Czech immigrants that have developed their own unique culture that blends their Czech heritage with American traditions.

Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk

Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk

Czechia is home to twelve different UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each one with something different to offer visitors. One of these sites, Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk, has a uniquely designed and beautiful building and a fascinating history.

Czech Street Food

Czech Street Food

Food is one aspect of culture that is almost universally accessible. For many traveling, trying different cuisines, especially street foods, is an exciting part of visiting a new country. The Czech Republic has its own unique kitchen, and although the popularity of street foods is still growing, there are some dishes that are well-known in the country.

The Czech Republic's Communist-Era Architecture

The Czech Republic's Communist-Era Architecture

For the Communist countries in Eastern Europe, the necessary rebuilding following World War II was accomplished in the construction style that the Soviet Union popularized. As a result of this period, the Czech Republic has many buildings and monuments that differ significantly from the historic ones surrounding them, serving as a reminder of its Communist era.

Joža Uprka

Joža Uprka

The traditional folk costumes worn in Czechia are one aspect of the country's cultural heritage perhaps most well-known. These clothes vary from region to region, and one artist, Joža Uprka, is particularly famous for his paintings capturing his home's unique style.

Věra Čáslavská: Athlete and Activist

Věra Čáslavská: Athlete and Activist

Athletes have long been using their high-visibility platforms to comment on social issues and raise awareness. Věra Čáslavská, a gymnast from the now Czech Republic, is not only famous for her unparalleled success at the Olympic Games but her strong stance against the Soviet invasion of her country.

Celebrating St. Nicholas Day

Celebrating St. Nicholas Day

The Czechs have many unique cultural traditions. As we approach the holiday season, let's visit the tradition that kicks off Czechia's holidays, St. Nicholas Day.

Picasso's Legacy in Prague

Picasso's Legacy in Prague

It is well known that the city of Prague in the Czech Republic is home to some of the world’s most beautiful buildings. It is also home to a piece of Pablo Picasso’s legacy, one of the best-known representations of Cubist architecture in the world, the House at the Black Madonna.

Ice Hockey: One of the Czech Republic's Most Popular Sports

Ice Hockey: One of the Czech Republic's Most Popular Sports

If you were to name a country where ice hockey was a closely followed sport, the Czech Republic may not be high up on the list. But Czech teams have grown from humble beginnings to become some of the most formidable players in the world today.

The Mullet: The Most Infamous Haircut of All

The Mullet: The Most Infamous Haircut of All

Thus, of all things to creep into 2020, the mullet– a fashion statement that’s typically reserved for the ‘80s and ‘90s regrets, jokes at the expense of Billy Ray Cyrus and Jerry Seinfeld, or a mugshot in a “Florida Man…” news article– reemerged from its cave.

Bramborák or Czech Potato Pancakes

Bramborák or Czech Potato Pancakes

Potato pancakes turn up in most European cultures, from Polish placki to Swedish rarakor, German kartoffelpuffer, and Irish boxty.