Czech Festival Celebrates Heritage

Names like Cespiva, Gunter and Tuma are part of the history of Rapides Parish.  This is the 100th year of the Czech settlements north of the Red River and this weekend a festival was held celebrating that heritage.

The dancing, food and costumes reflect the bohemian culture, which transplanted here a century ago.  Cookie Tuma says some of the names of their ancestors’ countries are not even on modern maps, so this heritage festival is a reminder.

The festival started in the Libuse community and then on yesterday was held in Kolin.  These descendants are hopeful about carrying on their traditions and lore to more generations who will never forget their roots and their culture.

KLAX ABC 31 News 3/17/14