Page 122 - UNESCO_Zatec_2021_A4

Training hop bines to hop poles using rye straw, photo J. Wara, Saaz region,
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1 half of the 20 century

Period photographs
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At the end of the 19 century and the beginning of
the 20 century, the teacher, musician, and most
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importantly, excellent photographer, Josef Wara
(1862–1937), was active in Žatec. This outstanding
observer with a sense of continuity, created a very
valuable collection of photographs over the course of
three decades, paying special attention to Žatec hop
growing.

A collection of photographs was created, telling the
story of the work and troubles connected with the
cultivation, processing, storing, and selling of hops.
This collection has a unique value not only for Žatec
2. Description over Europe. There is no similar collection to be found
and Žatec hop growing but also for hop growing all

in Europe. The glass negatives and the collection
of these unique photographs are deposited in the
Regional Museum of K. A. Polanek, in Žatec.

Hop dance for the Emperor
In the first half of the 19 century, Žatec experienced
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two visits from the head of the state. In 1833, the
town was visited by Emperor Francis I and Empress
Caroline. The official programme for the distinguished
visitors also included the traditional hop dance
(Hopfenkranzfest) performed by local girls. This
dance then became part of official town festivities for
many decades. It could be seen at hop festivals and
on the occasion of other distinguished visits. Local
girls also danced it for Emperor Ferdinand V and his
wife Maria Anna during their visit in 1835. It was even
admired by Archbishop Karel, who later became an
emperor, during his stay in Žatec in 1910, at a big
municipal and sharpshooting festival. Photographs
have also been preserved from this event.

Hop – dance on the occasion of the visit of Emperor Franz I. of Austria with his wife
Caroline, Žatec, 1833