Czech Pastries at the Kolache Fest in Hallettsville Texas

Czech and German families who settled in and around Hallettsville Texas during the mid 1800s worked hard, played hard, and ate well. Most of them had a dobrou chut, pronounced do-broo khutye, which means, in the Czech language, a good appetite. Well known for their good cooking, they brought with them recipes for hearty and rich foods including the fruit filled pastry called a kolache.

Kolache Fest Activities

A century and a half later several communities in Texas still celebrate their colorful Czech heritage in annual festivities of polka music and hearty foods. The little south Texas town of Hallettsville holds its Kolache Fest in September. Activities include food and drink booths, horseshoe and washer contests, a 42 tournament which is a game of dominoes sometimes referred to the national game of Texas. Arts and crafts booths featuring interesting items like kolache candles dot the streets where a parade showcases local organizations and businesses. Other activities include a car show and an authentic Czech clothing demonstration with live music in the background by various local polka bands.

What is a Kolache?

The highlight of the celebration is the sinfully delicious kolache. A baking demonstration reveals secrets to successfully creating the mouth watering sweet roll. They are usually round or square in shape with an indention in the center to hold the fruit filling, although some, like the sausage kolache, may be rolled like a jelly roll.

The kolache represented the Czech Republic on Europe Day in 2006 at the Café Europe initiative of the Austrian presidency of the European Union.

More Kolache Fest Activities

Then there's the bake off judging and the kolache eating contest where contestants gorge themselves on apple, apricot, cheese, peach, pineapple, prune, sausage, and the famous poppyseed pastries. Festivities are topped off with a Kolache Fest dance.

Hallettsville Lodging Accommodations

Visitors seeking lodging can choose one of the many motels and campgrounds in the area or a guest house such as the cozy pink Granny and Popo's Haus on Texana Street or the rustic, yet modern Texas Country Cabins on FM 318 where stone, tin, and hand pump faucets meet with microwaves and internet. For a relaxing getaway among friendly country folks, Enchanted Oaks Lodge on a 61 acre ranch along Hwy 77 is just one of the many bed and breakfasts in the area.

Czech Language Phrases

Guests may even learn a few Czech phrases such as dobry den, pronounced dobree-din, meaning hello, or jak se mas, pronounced yok-see-mosh, meaning how are you? or dekuji, pronounced deck-oo-wee, meaning thank you.

The colorful and delightful hospitality of the Czech culture makes a wonderful backdrop for visitors tasting the results of an authentic Kolache Fest.

Experience this Texas heritage celebration in September at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Hwy 77, Hallettsville Texas. And be sure to bring with you a dobrou chut.