The Vltavans – the tradition of timber raftsmen’s associations

The Vltava River has long provided livelihoods for thousands of “people from around the water”. A particularly significant group among them were raftsmen who transported timber and other goods to Prague and beyond. Their dangerous and demanding work naturally led to the emergence of many raftsmen’s associations, which initially played a primarily supporting role, but gradually became important cultural and social elements. At present, they are represented by the Vltavan associations in Prague, Davle, Štěchovice and Purkarec, jointly managed by Vltavan Čechy.

Life around the water changed significantly during the 20th century and Vltava itself is no longer navigable for rafts. The exhibition aims at celebrating not only the difficult work on the river and its banks, but especially the many years of activity of hundreds of “Vltavans”, members of the Vltavan associations, which still maintain and manage the traditions of previous generations, members of the Vltavan associations.  After all, in 2021, the Vltavan association in Prague celebrates the 150th anniversary of its founding.