Who is turning 100 and still making children laugh? Meet Hurvínek
Puppets are considered a true national heritage in Czechia. Therefore, it is no surprise that when one of the most famous of them, the little rascal Hurvínek, celebrates his 100th birthday, celebrations are taking place across the entire country.
It is the spring of 1926, and puppet maker and woodcarver Gustav Nosek is putting the finishing touches on his newest wooden puppet in his workshop in the western Czechoslovak town of Cheb. The little figure has sticking-out ears, a tuft of yellow hair on its forehead, and large round eyes designed so that they can roll in every direction. A few days later, puppeteer Josef Skupa introduces the puppet on stage in Plzeň — and one of the most famous Czech puppet characters, Hurvínek, is born. This year, the little troublemaker celebrates 100 years.
But Hurvínek’s creation was no accident. Since 1920, Skupa had already been performing in a puppet theatre in Plzeň with the character of Spejbl, a pompous and somewhat clueless father figure. Yet Skupa felt Spejbl needed a partner, a second character who would complement and highlight his comic performances. And so Hurvínek was created: Spejbl’s clever, mischievous son, whose cheeky behaviour often helped his father escape endless trouble.
The plays built around the dialogues between Spejbl and Hurvínek quickly became hugely popular. Skupa soon expanded their adventures to radio programmes, gramophone records and books. Over time, the duo evolved into a Czech national phenomenon that transcended Czechoslovakia’s borders.
What would it be like to remain a child forever? Hurvínek, who celebrates his 100th birthday this year, would certainly have plenty to say about that and many other things as well. And he still does. Across Czechia, numerous events are being held to mark the anniversary.
In Hurvínek’s birthplace, the town of Cheb, a new exhibition dedicated to the famous puppet opens this Saturday. According to exhibition co-author Michal Beránek, it focuses both on the puppet itself and on its creator.
“The exhibition focuses mainly on Gustav Nosek as a resident of Cheb and on his life’s work. Of course, his most famous puppet is Hurvínek, who became a worldwide phenomenon. We show how he made his way in front of television and film cameras, but also into the world — from Mexico across Europe all the way to Taiwan and Japan.”
The exhibition also highlights that Hurvínek is not just a Czech icon, but an international one.
“We have posters in English, French, Japanese and many other languages, because no matter which world language you can think of, Hurvínek and Spejbl speak it somewhere.”
And visitors will not see just one Hurvínek puppet but several.
“We have Gustav Nosek’s original puppet, Hurvínek puppets borrowed from Germany that were made for East German stages at the time, as well as the newest versions that are still produced today.”
Hurvínek’s birthday was also celebrated at the Spejbl and Hurvínek Theatre in Prague’s Dejvice district. Earlier this month, the theatre premiered a new stage production titled Kabaret Hurvajz, launched a new interactive children’s book and unveiled commemorative gold coins.
The anniversary show delighted both children and adults alike.
“I really liked it, I thought it was lovely,” said one young visitor.
“We especially enjoyed Martin Trecha and his incredible spontaneity,” added his mum.
Martin Trecha has been the fifth puppeteer to perform the roles of Spejbl and Hurvínek since 2022. He has been making wooden puppets himself since childhood and took over the role from his predecessor at just twenty years old.
More events celebrating Hurvínek’s centenary are taking place throughout the year across Czechia. At Strakonice Castle, visitors can explore an exhibition dedicated not only to the beloved childhood hero, but also to the roots of Czech puppetry, humour and storytelling from which Hurvínek emerged. And from June, children in Plzeň will also be able to enjoy a playful interactive exhibition devoted to the little rascal who, even at the age of 100, continues to charm new generations.