Welcome to the border guards
The historical role of the Chods is also reflected in the region’s name. They patrolled the borders (“chodili okolo hranic”) – hence the Chodsko Region. Their other duties included accompanying and protecting those who decided to travel through the border forests. They also cared for the forests and provided regular reports on enemies. The influence and role of the Chods began to wane in the 16th century when a professional army started to form.
The locals are still incredibly spirited and cohesive. They are rightly proud of their origins and keen on observing folk customs and traditions. You can admire all these if you attend the “Chodské slavnosti” (Chods festivities), held annually in Domažlice. People from all over the country and abroad come to these festivities.
The Upper Chodsko Region was relatively poor compared to the Lower Chodsko Region; this was reflected in the traditional costumes, which were modest, simple, and primarily functional. Like the local inhabitants, the clothes had to endure — they were made from durable materials. Many of these garments have survived to this day, and for balls or other festive events, the upper Chods don the costumes they inherited from their ancestors.
