The Smrt Festival in Litomyšl opens a topic we rarely speak about — even though it concerns every one of us. Two days of talks, exhibitions and music about death as a natural part of life: gently, with respect and inspiration. That is exactly why we are going.
What you will find with us
In the Castle Brewery we will exhibit hand-painted coffin lids and urns. You will see the work up close: brushstrokes, the way a motif flows across the lid, and soft transitions of colour. Mirka Kosečková will be there in person — happy to advise on choosing a motif, answer questions about custom painting and listen to your story.
Every coffin and urn is an original. A painting never comes from a template; it grows from a particular person, memory or place that carried meaning.
“Come and take a close look. A topic we never speak about can be opened gently — for instance, beside a painted coffin.”
What the festival has prepared
According to the organisers’ public information, the programme will offer:
- a lecture by Jiří Moták, Death in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism
- a screening of Viliam Poltikovič’s film The Secret of Death and a discussion with Klára Markuciová about a near-death experience
- the panel discussion Return of the Soul with Tereza Kovářová and guests on stories of farewell and funeral practice
- a lecture by Adam Vokáč, Greener than the Grave, about ecological funerals
- a programme for children and parents, The Way Home, and an interactive performance by Alena Chlebounová
- a reading by poet Ivan Petlan and a concert by Klára Sára
The festival also includes a sales exhibition of flower arrangements, candles and oils; refreshments will be provided by Sweet Ladies.
Where and when
Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October 2026 — opening on Friday afternoon, with the programme running until evening on Saturday. Castle Brewery, Zámecké návrší, Jiráskova 133, Litomyšl. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
