Join Us in Česká Třebová for the Apple Fair

Česká Třebová is known for hosting one of the largest traditional events in the area – the Apple Fair. This event is special and draws visitors not just from nearby locations but also from far and wide, especially due to the traditional celebration that involves baking, selling, and tasting the beloved “jabkance”, which starts promptly at 8 a.m. The main ingredient in this local treat is a bit surprising; it isn’t apples, but rather potatoes, referred to as the ‘apples of the earth.’ This delicious dish consists of sweet potato pancakes, which are filled with cottage cheese and topped with sugar. The preparation involves peeling, boiling, and mashing the potatoes overnight, traditionally done with a wooden mallet, followed by filling with curd and then baking them on the stove.

Every year, there’s a rush for these treats, and they often sell out before the girls can even get them to the stands. But attendees are entertained by “apple artists” who perform songs and skits. The entire event is traditionally introduced by the mayor and the policeman, who kick off the festivities by saying, “Winter is here again, and with it St. Catherine.”

The Apple Fair is organized by St. Catherine’s Society. This group keeps the tradition alive mainly thanks to many dedicated volunteers, and this year marks the 64th anniversary of the Society. The festivities occur at Chaloupka pod Kostelíčkem, where the Society is based, and where many passionate cooks have been working since the night to prepare this regional dish. The Apple Fair is also closely linked to the church celebration of St. Catherine, who is the patron saint of the local church. Locals refer to the Rotunda of St. Katherine in Český Třebov as one of the oldest historical sites and the only surviving Romanesque building in East Bohemia. During the event, visitors have the chance to meet a guide, tour the rotunda, and attend a service.