Žarošice: Church Art, Pilgrimage and Festivals

Žarošice offers several distinct reasons to visit: religious culture, a major pilgrimage, festival traditions and a municipal museum. The history of the healing springs in Zdravá Voda is another highlight. The festival dates fall in August, September and October: dožínky, Zlatá sobota and the Císařské krojované hody. When planning your trip, you can take your cue from a festival date or from the themes of the church, museum and local history.

Church and pilgrimage

The Kostel sv. Anny church in Žarošice was built in 1801 on the site of an earlier church. Its interior paintings are by the Slovak painter Jano Köhler, who was from Strážovice. This building brings together two aspects: a new church on a site already used for worship and a specific artistic design inside. The church is open and offers an opportunity to pray, go to confession and attend the Eucharist. You can therefore combine your visit with an interest in art and architectural history, or with a religious purpose.

Zlatá sobota takes place every year on the second Saturday in September and is Žarošice’s largest pilgrimage to Stará Matka Boží. Its highlight is an evening liturgy followed by a procession. Illuminated statues of the Virgin Mary are carried on litters, and Marian hymns are sung. Since the event falls on the second Saturday, its calendar date can change from year to year. Check the date before planning your trip around the pilgrimage.

Festivals throughout the year

In August, Žarošice celebrates the harvest festival dožínky in traditional dress. The Císařské krojované hody take place in October, last almost five days and include raising a maypole, singing and dancing. The two events differ in form: dožínky is a harvest festival, while the Hody feature a multi-day programme and the community activities mentioned above. August and October provide a general guide; if a particular festival is central to your trip, check the exact date before making plans.

Municipal museum and hands-on experiences

The Žarošice Municipal Museum has six permanent exhibition areas. It also displays a screw wine press dating from 1805. This dated object adds a specific historical note, while the six areas give an idea of the scope of the permanent exhibition.

In the museum workshop, visitors can try making products themselves using old recipes and sample them. The museum therefore offers a hands-on activity as well as a look at its exhibits. The workshop provides a different experience from the press: here, visitors can try things for themselves and taste the results, while the wine press is on display as a dated exhibit.

Zdravá Voda and spa history

Zdravá Voda is also part of the area’s history. Its healing springs were used for cures over many centuries; in the 18th century, an abbess of the Old Brno Convent founded a bathing establishment. The springs’ long history of use and the establishment of the bathing facility give Žarošice a spa tradition alongside its religious and festival themes.

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