Region full of Kozáks
Large scarves tied to form shapes resembling goat horns at the back and men’s doublets with flaps similar to goat tails are all features of folk costumes from the Tábor region, the northern part of the South Bohemian Region, earning it the nickname Kozácko.
This area was always poorer than the more southerly Blata, something the Blaťáci often and gladly reminded the Kozáci of. The two groups ever before quarrelled and distinguished themselves from each other, rarely intermarrying. While Blaťáci folk costumes were sumptuous, extravagant, and colourful, Kozácko folk costumes were characterized by simpler designs and decorations.
Kozácko is the smallest traditional South Bohemian region, yet it offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. You can experience the “obcházení Lucek” (Lucy’s Day Procession) on December 13th, when all Lucies celebrate their name day. On that day, you might encounter six originally pagan figures – Lucys. Five are white, and one is black, symbolizing a priest. They are usually shrouded and wear bird masks on their faces. You can hear their clattering beaks from afar. They visit houses, scatter feathers, sweep the floor, and dust with a feather duster. Sometimes, they even sprinkle water. All this is to show that the time for yearly cleaning has come to an end.
