Slovácké Summer Kicked Off in Uherské Hradiště with a Rock Explosion. ZakázanÝovoce and Rybičky 48 Delivered an Uncompromising Opening Night
Although Slovácké Summer is a multi-genre festival, its very first evening belonged to fans of powerful guitar riffs, catchy choruses, and the unmistakable energy of a live rock show brought to the main stage in the heart of Uherské Hradiště. Our editorial team was there to capture the moments when the town square transformed into one massive crowd jumping in unison from the very beginning of the festival. The event simply could not have wished for a stronger opening than this explosive barrage of rock music.
As the festival officially began, ZakázanÝovoce stormed onto the stage. The band was given the challenging yet essential task of opening the entire festival and getting the audience moving while people were still gathering in the square. From the very first riff, they set an uncompromising pace and demonstrated exactly how to work a crowd. It was the perfect opening performance. There were no lengthy speeches just honest melodic punk rock that served as the ideal spark for the exciting days ahead.
As the stage was being prepared for Rybičky 48, the anticipation throughout the venue was almost tangible. The hit-making band from Kutná Hora left no doubt as to why they were the headliners of the opening night. From the moment the curtain dropped and they launched into their performance with BIGBÝT, accompanied by the first burst of pyrotechnics, Uherské Hradiště was running at full throttle. Fire effects, CO₂ cannons, and fireworks created a spectacular visual experience worthy of a major arena rock production.
Every great rock show also needs unforgettable moments among the audience. One of the funniest came during the song Ženy, when frontman Kuba Ryba stepped down from the stage to dance with female fans. What followed was a humorous scramble as the three quickest women playfully competed over who would get to dance with him, passing the frontman from one embrace to another like a hot potato. Kuba handled the situation with a smile, while security kept a close eye on everything just to be safe.
A completely different highlight came during the ballad Nebeská brána. Emotions reached their peak as the packed town square lit up with hundreds of mobile phone lights, turning the historic centre of Uherské Hradiště into a magical sea of stars. The frontman effortlessly led the audience, who sang along to every single word. Their voices echoed between the historic buildings, at times even overpowering the sound system itself, proving that the opening night had set the bar exceptionally high for the rest of the festival.
For metal fans, it may have been a slightly softer start in terms of genre, but in terms of energy, production, and audience interaction, it was an absolutely professional rock show of the highest calibre. The opening evening of Slovácké Summer delivered exactly what the festival needed a powerful electric shock to launch the week in style. If the rest of the programme continues in the same spirit, Uherské Hradiště has a great deal to look forward to.
Our sincere thanks go to the organisers for their excellent service and outstanding organisation throughout the opening day, and to everyone in front of the stage for creating such an incredible atmosphere. That is exactly what festivals are all about. Summer lives within us!