This Moravian village has just been named the best in Czechia for 2026

Boršice, a community of just over 2,000 people in southeastern Moravia, has been named Czechia's Village of the Year for 2026.

The village in the Uherské Hradiště district took the top prize in the 30th annual Vesnice roku (Village of the Year) competition, organizers announced Saturday. Vraclav in the Pardubice region finished second, while Všeruby in the Plzeň region came third.

A total of 245 municipalities entered this year's competition, the highest number since 2016. Thirteen regional winners advanced to the national final.

Judges praised Boršice for its overall quality of life, community involvement and efforts to improve public spaces and infrastructure.

Among the projects highlighted were a renovated elementary school and kindergarten complex, facilities for children and seniors, a reconstructed fire station and the Metodějská trail and lookout developed with neighboring municipalities.

The jury also singled out an initiative connecting local farmers with the school cafeteria, which prioritizes products supplied by nearby producers, as well as the village's support for seniors and residents with disabilities.

Boršice Mayor Petr Dula credited residents for the victory, saying the community had demonstrated its ability to "pull together."

As the national winner, Boršice will receive CZK 1.6 million in funding from the Ministry for Regional Development and advance to the European Village Renewal Award.

Vraclav, a village of around 750 people, was recognized particularly for its active community life, while judges praised Všeruby for its small businesses, local associations and preservation of traditions.

The Vesnice roku competition has been held since 1995 and is open to rural municipalities, towns and market towns with populations of up to 7,500.