Gingerbread tradition

When people hear the name Pardubice, most immediately think of one more word – gingerbread. This fragrant honey pastry is so closely connected with the city that it has gradually become one of its symbols. Even the well-known Czech saying “I’ll show you what gingerbread in Pardubice is all about” has firmly found its place in the language.

Residents of Pardubice are still sometimes jokingly called “gingerbread makers.” What began as a playful nickname has long since become a source of local pride. A walk through the historic centre will quickly reveal shops selling beautifully decorated gingerbread, which has become a typical souvenir that visitors like to take home from Pardubice.

Gingerbread has also become part of the everyday life of the city – it appears in the names of various events, festivals and competitions. All of this shows just how deeply this tradition is rooted in Pardubice.

The roots of gingerbread making in Pardubice date back to the 16th century. However, the real boom in production came at the beginning of the 20th century, when several companies specialising in gingerbread were founded in the city. Local gingerbread makers gradually built a reputation as masters of their craft and were able to create almost anything from gingerbread – from traditional decorated hearts to figures and even entire gingerbread houses.

Pardubice gingerbread is therefore not just a sweet treat, but also an important part of the city’s identity and a tradition that has been preserved here for centuries.