St. Joseph's Day
The "Name's Day" is celebrated, in Europe, for the saint a child was named after. Joseph was often the name given to the oldest boy, just as Mary was the name given to the oldest girl (as both were considered to be excellent role models).
When the immigrants were leaving Europe, Franz Joseph was the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At that time, St. Joseph's Day was a day of celebration and the immigrants brought this custom to the New World.
Linn County had so many immigrants coming from Czechoslovakia that they kept St. Joseph's Day as a celebration here, too.
The Czechs here, it is believed, are the only Czech group that celebrates St. Joseph's Day as a community. Other Czech groups across the United States will only celebrate it as a family event for the Joseph(s) in the family, much like one would celebrate a birthday.
The above information was taken from material prepared by Jana Fast
(Curator of the Czech & Slovak Museum & Library from 1980 - 1989
Houby Days Festival - May 16,17,18, 2008
Each year the members of the Czech Village Association, a non-profit organization promoting Czech ethnic culture in the Czech Village community, sponsor a Houby Days Festival. This annual event is held during May, the first weekend after Mother's Day. This event draws 10,000 to 15,000 people each year over the 3-day period.
Houby Days buttons are sold prior to and during the event. Many of these buttons are instant prizewinners, with prizes being donated by local merchants throughout the Cedar Rapids area.
During the event there is ethnic music, food, games, parades, a carnival, car show, and other forms of entertainment.
This site is hosted and maintained by the Czech Village Association
CZECH VILLAGE
ASSOCIATION
MEMBERS
Ethnic Fest- Sept. 2008
For more information about the festival and being a 2008 contract vendor, questions can be directed to Barb at 319-247-6033 (Deda & Babi's Antiques) or 319-361-2100 (cell) You may leave a message 24 hours a day and it will be returned promptly.
Listed below are the 2008 Houby Days Vendors Contracts, Daily Event Flyer, Czech Village Map & Event Schedule and Car Show Entry Form. Each link will download a printable pdf file. (Dial up users – allow 1-1/2 minutes per download)
Welcome to the Official web-site of "czechvillagecedarrapids.com"
