Strání: Sword Dance, Glassmaking and Nature

Strání combines a distinctive Carnival tradition with the history of glassmaking in Květná. The natural surroundings can also be explored in detail: the Javorina National Nature Reserve protects forests in the Velká Javořina massif, which lies near Strání on the Moravian-Slovak border. If you’re looking for a hotel in Strání, these different themes can help you plan your trip: sword dancing and cultural heritage, glassmaking or hiking trails.

Sword Dancing and Carnival Traditions

The “Pod šable” sword dance is usually performed in Strání by five men with wooden swords. A Gazda leads the procession, carrying a wooden roasting spit. One of its characteristic elements is “vytínání”: under the pretext of an offence, a dancer is ritually beaten.

The famous “Pod šable” sword dance is performed during Fašank in Strání. A 2019 publication by the Czech Ministry of Culture describes the sword-dancing tradition in Strání as having been continuously maintained for more than 200 years. A comparatively unchanged song structure has also been preserved in “Pod šable”.

In the Uherskobrodsko region, the tradition of sword dances associated with Carnival processions has survived in only three municipalities, including Strání. Thus, “Pod šable” brings together the specific performance during Fašank, a long history of tradition and a preserved song structure.

Glassmaking in Květná

The Sklárna Květná 1794 Museum in Strání–Květná presents the history and art of glassmaking. The glassworks is one of the oldest in the Czech Republic and was founded in 1794. Visitors can watch traditional glassmaking techniques there.

Guided tours must be booked in advance, preferably at least one day beforehand. They last approximately 45 minutes and are available only in the morning and in Czech. Check the visitor arrangements before your trip so that the booking and tour format suit your plans.

Forests, a Spring and Trails to Velká Javořina

Velká Javořina lies near Strání on the Moravian-Slovak border. At 970 metres, it is the highest mountain in the White Carpathians. In the Velká Javořina massif, the Javorina National Nature Reserve protects old-growth broadleaf forests, especially species-rich beech and ravine forests. Near the summit, these forests have a primeval character.

The trails also offer different views of the landscape. The Naučná stezka Květná educational trail runs through forests and meadows below Velká Javořina. The U Cicůrku spring is a mountain spring in the Květná district of Strání and can be reached via the yellow-marked educational trail.

Hiking trails to Velká Javořina start from both Velká nad Veličkou and Strání–Květná. On the return leg of the hiking route from Strání–Květná, the trail follows the green markings through Javorinský prales. If you’re planning a hike, check trail conditions and choose a route that suits you before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Bílovice, Bojkovice, Ostrožská Lhota, Suchá Loz, Uherský Brod, Stříbrnice, Popovice, Nivnice.

Go to the regional travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.