HANA VALLEY

agricultural region of southern Severomoravsk kraj (region) and northeastern Jihomoravsk kraj, eastern Czech Republic. A plain formed by the confluence of the Blata, Romze, Becva, Motenka, Valov, and Han rivers and the Morava, its very fertile soils support wheat, barley, corn (maize), and sugar beet cultivation and poultry and pig rearing. The people, called Hanki, speak a dialect of Czech (Moravian) and wear distinctive, richly embroidered costumes. The region's centre is Olomouc (q.v.), a former royal city and capital of Moravia until 1642. Other towns include Prostejov, an industrial centre manufacturing iron and steel, agricultural machinery, clothing, food and dairy products, and Hanchk Rezn (a regional liquor resembling bourbon whiskey); Nmet' na Han, where the annual Hanck Doznky (Han Harvest Festival) is held; and Litovel, with a municipal museum containing Han costumes and embroidery. Tourism is important for the region's economy. The reservoir behind the Plumlov Dam, west of Prostejov, provides swimming and water sports facilities. Javorcko caverns west of Litovel, discovered in 1938, yielded artifacts of prehistoric humans and are attractions for visitors.