2009 – FROM THE GUIDE’S PERSPECTIVE

"I started dancing in Jiskricka (children ensemble) at the age of 5. Since then, the world of folklore follows me through my life and I believe that this connection will be there forever. After joining the adult ensemble Jiskra and getting to know the background of it I immediately took an active part in organization of our festival. In 2003, I was appointed a guide of my first ensemble Ostravicka from Frydek-Mistek. Not only I fell platonically in love with the leader of the ensemble right the next day which happened to me again and again in the years to come but I was for the first time in the centre of the festival which until then I visited only as a spectator or a performer. I still remember my enthusiasm and the joy that finally I can be right there and participate actively in creation of the Jiskra’s "baby" which the Pilsen festival undoubtedly was and still is. Since then I have met a variety of people from all over the world and with many of them we are still bound by our international friendships. For example, in 2009 I was in charge of an amazing drummer ensemble from Taiwan. Their enthusiasm was so great that they broke several drumsticks during one performance. As a memory of those great people from the other part of the planet these drumsticks still decorate my room. I understand it as a great gift from the festival that I have the opportunity to participate in the organization of the festival and to experience so many unrepeatable meetings and moments. In return, I am actively trying to give the best of my work to the organizing committee.”

Honza Vašků, Promotion Leader

Since 2009 so called “Folklore Evenings” take place regularly in Konstantinovy Lazne.