The municipality of Písečná in the Pardubice Region has won the title of “Village of the Year 2025”. The long-standing competition has been celebrating the dedication and creativity of rural communities for nearly three decades.
Písečná in the Pardubice Region can now officially call itself “Village of the Year 2025”. In Vacov (South Bohemia), the winners of the 29th edition of the historic competition were officially announced over the weekend. The ceremony was also attended by the Minister for Regional Development, Petr Kulhánek. Kosova Hora (Central Bohemia) took second place, while Plenkovice (South Moravia) came third.
The “Village of the Year” competition has been held annually since 1995. It aims to strengthen the engagement of village residents, showcase the diversity of communities, and highlight the importance of rural regions. This year, a total of 181 municipalities from all parts of the country took part. “The award is proof that the Czech village is alive and constantly evolving. The combination of traditional values and modern ideas is now a reality,” Minister Kulhánek said in his speech.
Beyond the external appearance, the focus is on the strength of the community, its ability to overcome challenges, and its willingness to try new approaches.
The national final brought together the winners of the regional competitions. The event in Vacov included presentations from the participating municipalities, a photography exhibition, and the launch of the “Village of the Year 2025” calendar. The ceremony was accompanied by a brass band.
All regional competition winners:
- Kosova Hora (Central Bohemia)
- Čestice (South Bohemia)
- Trnová (Plzeň Region)
- Krásno (Karlovy Vary Region)
- Radovesice (Ústí Region)
- Roprachtice (Liberec Region)
- Bezděkov nad Metují (Hradec Králové Region)
- Písečná (Pardubice Region)
- Dolní Město (Vysočina Region)
- Plenkovice (South Moravia)
- Nedachlebice (Zlín Region)
- Vrbátky (Olomouc Region)
- Hnojník (Moravian-Silesian Region)
In addition to the main prizes, special awards were also presented. The “Koláčová Prize” went to Vrbátky (Olomouc), the Audience Award to Kosova Hora (Central Bohemia), and the “Hope for a Living Village” (Naděje pro živý venkov) prize to Blatno (Ústí nad Labem).
“We have been supporting this competition for many years, not only as patrons but also financially. The winners of the regional rounds receive grants which they can use flexibly for transport, public spaces, culture, community life, or digitalisation,” said Minister Kulhánek.
The winning municipality of Písečná will represent the Czech Republic next year at the European Village Renewal Award, organised by the European Association for Rural Development and Village Renewal.
Vesnice roku (Village of the Year)
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