Czech tramping songs echo across the Atlantic
Czech tramping, a unique cultural tradition born over a century ago, is still going strong—even across the Atlantic. Recently, Czech expatriates gathered at the Czech Embassy in Ottawa to sing their favourite tramping songs, including the legendary Rosa na kolejích—Dew on the Tracks—by Wabi Daněk.
The Czech Embassy regularly hosts events showcasing Czech culture, literature, and classical music. But this evening struck a very different chord: instead of just listening, the crowd joined in, singing along to classic tramping tunes.
The music was led by a group called Buck Lake, named after a cottage settlement near the Canadian capital that’s become a gathering spot for Czech tramps living in Canada.
The band’s leader, Miloš Králík, has lived in Canada for 56 years. He explained that the evening at the embassy was just a preview of a much bigger tramp gathering at the lake.
“There are usually 30 or 40 of us. It’s an amazing weekend. It’s not just welcoming spring—it’s more like a full-on summer meet-up,” he said.
Buck Lake’s performances feature classic tramping instruments: guitars, a banjo, a transverse flute, and several harmonicas. As the group played, the audience followed along with borrowed songbooks, their voices joining in. Among them were Marie and Jan Šťovíček, veterans of the tradition.
“We know about half of them by heart. But there are some we don’t know at all. Every year at the cottage, we have what we call a živáňská—a campfire cookout. Miloš used to come, and we sang there for 25 years,” Marie recalled.
Even non-Czechs joined in. One of the most enthusiastic singers was Miloš’s wife, Linda.
“The melodies are wonderful, and I just really enjoy the tramping music. I don’t understand all the lyrics, but Miloš gives me the general drift. To be part of the Czech community, I’ve had to learn how to sing. And with Miloš as my partner, I didn’t really have a choice!
Linda even attended the World Potluck in British Columbia a couple of years ago and she was thrilled.
“I think every Czech should go to a Potluck, because it’s the most incredible thing. When you see the camaraderie among all the guys, and the songs —it’s just fantastic. It would be a shame to let it disappear.”
One of the other guests, Dana, was proudly wearing a hand-carved wooden amulet around her neck, inscribed with ‘Buck Lake 2022’.
“That’s the Buck Lake symbol. All the musicians here are from there. We travel all the way from Toronto. It’s an amazing group—great music, good drinks, delicious food, and an awesome time,” she said.
When asked whether these gatherings are simply about remembering home or something more, fellow participant Tonda didn’t hesitate:
“We’re brought together by the language, sure—but mostly by friendship. I’ve known Miloš for over 50 years. That kind of bond runs deep.”
