Although Ostrava is the third largest city of the Czech Republic, it doesn't really rank among the most popular places. Ostrava is a peculiar city, unique in many ways. It's different from most other parts of the country. The looks is different, people are different, the standard of living is different and the whole region has a very strong, easily recognizable dialect - ostravština. Not only due to the mining activities that have given the city the main shape and spirit, the city has earned the label "Black Ostrava". No doubt Ostrava is a special place, you can only find here two kinds of people with different relations to it. Those who hate it, and those who love it. There is nobody between, that's for sure. Even though the patriotic locals will always try to enforce their opinion on you, in my opinion I don't think this is a place you want to live in. Nevertheless, if you are around, you should definitely pass by to find out by yourself what makes Ostrava so special!  It will surely be an interesting experience for you.

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If there is one thing this city should be liked for, it is the sporting and cultural opportunities Ostrava offers. In 2015, Ostrava was nominated for the European Capital of Culture, it didn't eventually win the award, though. I'm not a fan of these awards and would-be contests, everyone knows it's always about - who has more money and better lobbing - wins, but this city would have definitely deserved it.

Traditional Ostrava's Lower Vítkovice area is a place where the famous Colours of Ostrava festival takes place, the festival which since its first vintage in 2002 has become the biggest open-air, multi-genre festival in the Czech Republic. Its dance, electronic brother - the festival Beats for Love has gained a big popularity over the past years, too, becoming the biggest of its kind in Central Europe. In 2018, Ostrava was also honored to host the world's biggest blogger conference T-Bex.

There is no doubt that the Ostrava people ("Ostraváci") love sports and culture. If this city happens to be on your list, I recommend you to plan your visit when there is something going on, it may have quite a different spirit. Ideally, visit Colours of Ostrava to see more than 300 performances and enjoy the special industrial athmosphere with almost 50,000 other attendees.

1. You may also get surprirsed how cold it is there if you arrive from the Dead Sea