Masopust brings pre-Lent merriment

Montgomery’s 23rd annual Masopust celebration, which is traditionally known as the Czech version of Mardi Gras, was celebrated in a big way on Sunday, Feb. 19 at The Rustic Farmer, with lots of music, dancing, traditional Czech foods, and the crowning of a new Masopust King, Luke Sluzacek.

“I believe it was the largest crowd in the last few years,” reported Jean Keogh, who helped organize the Czech Heritage Club event. “People came from Richfield, Faribault, and Iowa, to name a few. Everyone who attended enjoyed it; we got lots of positive comments throughout the afternoon.”

Masopust means “fast from meat" and marks the end of winter and the beginning of a 40-day fast before Easter. The local celebration once again featured the traditional skit where the community asks permission from the mayor to permit a party, to which he usually agrees, especially since the party has already started.

Members of the St. Paul Czech and Slovak Dancers kept the dance floor hopping with various performances and offered many lively impromptu dance lessons with attendees. The hours of fun were fueled by large servings of pork and dumplings, bowls of vomacka, and lots of delicious zelnicky, along with other traditional Czech treats and beverages.

Two young men stepped forward to be Masopust King contestants this year. They include: 16-year-old Luke Skluzacek, son of Chris and Bruce of Montgomery, and 16-year-old Alex Soukup, son of Denise Treu and David Soukup. Both young men grew up celebrating their Czech heritage with their families and have sisters who have...

To see more on this story pick up the February 23, 2023 print edition of the Montgomery Messenger or The New Prague Times.