Chodsko Festival opens in Domažlice with folk music, crafts, and pilgrimage events

The 71st Chodsko Festival, one of the oldest ethnographic festivals in Czechia, kicked off in Domažlice with over 60 events scheduled through Sunday. The celebration, tied to the traditional Vavřinec pilgrimage, features folk music, Chod region costumes, decorated pastries, local dialect, and handmade ceramics. Highlights include outdoor masses, a tribute to late folk musician Antonín Konrády, and the 13th national bagpipe showcase. Music ranges from traditional to rock and bluegrass. Admission is free, and shuttle buses will run from park-and-ride lots and to the pilgrimage site Vavřineček.