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| Hello, and welcome to the "Culture Class—Holidays in the Czech Republic" series at CzechClass101.com. In this series, we explore the history and traditions behind Czech holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Lesson 19, The Hop Brigade—Chmelová brigáda. |
| The Hop Brigade, or Chmelová brigáda, is an event that has been integral to the adolescence of several generations of Czechs. Remarkably, the Czech Republic is known for having the most beer, or pivo, per capita in the world. Hops, or chmel, a crucial ingredient in the brewing of beer, are also grown here at the highest standards. |
| Now, before we go into more detail, do you know the answer to the following question? |
| What is the name of the most famous and prized Czech hop variety? |
| If you don't already know, you’re about to find out, so stay tuned! |
| The hop harvest usually requires many hands, a task that was carried out by many high school and university students during the rise of socialism. From that time forward, the harvest has become a memorable experience for the teenagers involved. Of course, apart from the daily work load, what teenagers remember most is the excitement of making new friendships and relationships, going out to discos, and attending parties. |
| Although the rise of socialism and the peak of organized brigades in the Czech Republic has long since passed, the hop brigade is still a popular experience that high schoolers participate in to this day at soaring rates. |
| The experiences of many generations of hop brigades were even captured on the big screen, or filmové plátno, in a very popular 1964 musical called Hop-Pickers. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question— |
| What is the name of the most famous and prized Czech hop variety, or odrůdy chmelu? |
| The most famous Czech hop variety is called Saaz. Grown in great amounts around the city of Zatec, it’s among the world's highest quality, or kvalitní, brands of hops. It’s used in brewing Czech beer and has become a staple in the industry. |
| Well listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something new? |
| Do you have a similar holiday in your country? |
| Leave a comment telling us on CzechClass101.com, and I’ll see you in the next lesson! |
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