Moravian culture celebrated in Lemont

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- You can immerse yourself in Czech, Moravian and Slovak folklore this weekend as locals bring a taste of culture to the west suburbs.

Most of these children are too young to fully understand what their parents and grandparents refer to as "the old country." but the United Moravian Societies is working to ensure they learn. The non-profit group teaches children the language and customs of their ancestors who migrated from the Czech Republic, including Moravia and Slovakia.

"If you take a look on a map of Europe, Moravia is a region of Czech Republic, but physically on a map, it's basically right in the middle of Europe and the southern part where most of these traditions come from is sort of like a Napa Valley here. It's a wine county and most of the festivals are very colorful," said Roman Bobcik, president, United Moravian Societies.

The social club promotes and demonstrates the ethnic customs of the region through singing and folk dancing, usually while wearing traditional garb.

"Everybody has a costume from the town that they're from," said Cynthia Holas, dance instructor.

Performers are practicing for the upcoming Moravian Day Festival. The first such celebration was held in the Pilsen neighborhood back in 1939. Since then, much of the Czech community has migrated to the western suburbs, where they still keep the culture alive.

"We just want to carry on the traditions and make sure our kids and their kids know where they originated from and what's it all about," said John Skach, historian.

The 75th annual Moravian Day Festival will be held Sunday at the Lithuanian World Center in Lemont.

For ticket information, visit: www.UnitedMoravianSocieties.org.