Historical Ball in Olomouc – Invitation and Interview with Non Sancti

Before we dive into the interview with the fencing group Non Sancti, I’ll skip ahead and invite you directly to the Historical Ball in Olomouc, taking place on February 21, 2025. Look forward to meeting fencers, history buffs, and fantasy fans from all around.

Just click the image to head over to the Non Sancti website for the ball program and ticket reservations. You can find the latest updates on the Historical Ball FB event page. I cordially invite everyone interested, and now let’s get to know Non Sancti.

A little bit about Non Sancti to start

The Non Sancti association is a group of enthusiasts who have spent many years teaching Renaissance fencing with the longsword.

And that’s not all! Non Sancti also offers public demonstrations of nearly forgotten crafts, including the reconstruction of a medieval field kitchen – all with a focus on 15th-century Central European history. In their ranks, you’ll find woodcarvers, shoemakers/leatherworkers, embroiderers, weavers, and potters. They can also provide blacksmithing and scribe/printing services. You can also visit their tent with a medieval armory, where you can try out selected swords, daggers, or shields.

On top of all that, they can put on a fantastic fire show. They have years of experience organizing events. In the summer, they regularly host the Weekend of Old Crafts in Olomouc. And so they don't get rusty in the winter, they organize the Historical Ball in Olomouc, which we will cover in the following interview with Kristýna Totová from Non Sancti:

How will this year's ball differ from previous years?

This year, we decided to make the event as historical as possible. We also changed the venue. We moved the ball to the Slovanský dům in the center of Olomouc, which offers more space for quiet conversation and better parking. Before the ball, you can attend a seminar, or a “historical” dance crash course (you’ll find out why the quotes are there at the seminar). Participants will learn two dances they can definitely use at the ball, plus a little extra. For the first time, we are also preparing a game for all attendees. We have arranged historical-style refreshments in cooperation with the Olomouc Citadel.

Who will be playing for the dance? And what kind of music will it be?

The Tábor-based group Dei Gratia will play for dancing and listening, performing lively historical music.

The second band will be Clamortis, playing historical rock. We expect the first band to set the mood and get everyone excited, and with the second band, everyone will be able to really let loose.

Will there be an opportunity to learn a historical dance?

Yes, there will be a historical dance seminar before the ball. It is prepared with a seasoned instructor and dancers from the Sanniones group. If any readers want to attend, they need to buy a ticket to the ball and then sign up for the workshop separately using this Google form link.

What is the recommended dress code for the historical ball?

I would like to emphasize that this is still a ball, not a carnival. Period clothing is welcome, but please leave the mammoth hunter skins or loincloths at home. If visitors want to come in historical clothing but don't have any, I would recommend a rental shop, for example, at the Moravian Theatre. And if neither of the above options seems good enough, I recommend classic formal wear suitable for any other ball.

The crucial question – will there be a prize competition?

Yes! Like every year, we are preparing a themed competition for ball participants with beautiful, tasty, and generally great gifts from sponsors who contribute regularly, as well as from sponsors who have joined us for the first time. I would also like to thank imago, our long-time donor of many beautiful prizes that their winners are genuinely happy to receive.

Which year of the ball do you like to remember the most?

Unfortunately, like other event organizers, we faced a break between 2021 and 2023 due to COVID restrictions. So, we probably remember the first post-COVID year most fondly, when we could finally host this very popular event without masks and other restrictions. Plus, after such a long break, with both organizers and regular attendees waiting for the ball, the atmosphere in the hall was absolutely unique, incredibly warm, and ending the event in the early morning hours seemed almost impossible.

Any interesting or spicy memories from the perspective of an organizer or participant?

For me as an organizer, 2022 was unforgettable, as I was in charge of sponsorship gifts for the first time – that was quite a whirlwind! I’ve enjoyed organizing even more since we expanded our organizing team.

We have, of course, experienced many scenes, both happy and sad. The uninitiated certainly don't understand why two Viking warriors are comparing the pattern on a tablet-woven band and debating its historical authenticity. A funny moment was when the winners started testing one of the prizes right on the spot – fortunately, it was foam swords. 😀

We have also witnessed several partner disagreements, as well as a marriage proposal.

Many thanks to Kristýna for the interview! If the Historical Ball in Olomouc sounds tempting and you want to attend, don't forget to book your tickets. You can find the latest information on the Historical Ball FB event page.

author Pavla Žižková