Večerníček

"Dobrý večer!" Good evening!

Since 1965, Večerníček (literally Little Eveninger) has ushered in bedtime for children throughout the Czech Republic. Every night at 18:45, the starry-eyed tot spirals down from the night sky, bows deeply, and wishes his audience a good evening before meandering around on a wooden horse, in a little car, and finally perched on a unicycle. A five- or six-minute cartoon -- which often is at least 20 or 30 years old -- follows Večerníček's greeting.

Broadcast in a series over several nights, we've seen Pat a Mat (Pat and Matt),



Doktor Animo (not to be confused with Doctor Animo from Ben10 Alien Force),



and Příběhy včelích medvídků (Tales of the Bee Bears).



Currently we are enjoying a week of Kočiči (Kittens). (Couldn't find videos for Doktor Animo or the Kittens as they were obscured by videos of Ben10's Dr. Animo and real kittens.)



And then Little Eveninger returns to bid the children a good night.

Karl recalls watching Večerníček 18 years ago when he lived with the Jišas in Plzeň. That a family with young children would make Večerníček an evening ritual is not surprising, but Czechs of all ages take pleasure in the broadcast as this article marking Večerníček's 40th anniversary notes. In fact I learned (online, of course), that to generations of Czechs Večerníček represents a part of their cultural heritage and national identity.

Our kids have jumped right on board with the tradition. The threat of missing Večerníček repeatedly proves itself a valuable tool for wrapping up dinner and prepping for bed. The short stories (told through animation, claymation, or puppets) may not be visually sophisticated, but they are charming and easy enough to follow, even when Karl is unavailable to translate.

I'll say it: they provide a welcome alternative to Disney.

"Dobrou noc!" Good night!

[If you seek a more pedagogical approach to understanding the appeal of this sweet animated tradition, I refer you to“Večerníček and the Czech Mobile Market: A Cultural Approach to Killer Apps” by Joschko, Moscicki, and Quigley (2006).]