Then there’s puppetry in Slovakia and Czechia, which has a long tradition as both entertainment and education. Puppet shows use mostly wooden figures brought to life through various animation techniques, and the stories they tell carry messages about moral values alongside plenty of humor.
The tradition started with families of traveling puppeteers who absorbed local influences wherever they performed. Today, the craft includes performers, playwrights, puppet makers, costume designers and stage builders. Skills get passed down through puppetry dynasties in Slovakia and through workshops and arts schools in both countries.
So hopefully, you walk away from this list remembering that as much as these photos will make you laugh, there’s a whole lot more to Slavic countries than what goes viral online.
There are centuries of tradition, craftsmanship and a culture that knows how to make the best out of any situation. It’s a great part of the world that deserves to be appreciated for a lot more than its memes.
