Czech Heritage Month

To the editor:

October is Czech Heritage Month in Texas. Fayette County is known as “the cradle of Czech immigration” to Texas, as more Czechs immigrated here than to any other county in the state. Our Czech heritage has had an irreplaceable impact on our history and on the culture of our county today.

As a lifelong resident of Fayette County, I didn’t realize just how special our little pocket of Czech heritage is until I moved away for college. My Czech heritage has greatly influenced the values I was raised with, shaping the person I am today. Many of us in Fayette County carry this heritage with pride, and it is our duty to continue the traditions that are dear to us, especially during this special month dedicated to celebrating our culture.

Perhaps you can try your hand at making homemade koláče (though you may need to set aside a whole day to do so). If baking isn’t your strong suit, no one would blame you for making a quick run to Weikel’s, or you could try another Czech recipe like klobása (sausage) or gulas. You could also learn some new Czech phrases

beyond the usual Dobrý den or Jak se máš seen on local bumper stickers. Dive into Czech history and folklore—there are many wonderful English-language Czech history books, as well as online resources and Czech culture groups on Facebook.

Or better yet, head over to the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center here in town. The folks there would be more than happy to help you learn more about Czech heritage and culture, and they can assist you in exploring your family history in their genealogy library. The perfect time to “czech” out the museum is October 19, during their annual Heritage Fest.

October is the perfect time to explore Czech heritage events across the state or to tune in to some polka on the radio. Whether you’re 100% Czech or simply “Czech by association,” I hope you will take the time to learn something new and celebrate our Czech heritage this month. Děkuji!

Madelyn Karstedt La Grange