The furry fandom is a subculture interested in fictional anthropomorphic animal characters in pop culture. Although the tradition of endowing animals with human characteristics and personalities is quite old, the furry fandom as we know it originated in the early 1980s among science fiction and fantasy fans. At first furry fans met at science fiction and comic conventions. The first standalone furry convention was held in the United States in 1980s. The phenomenon then spread to Europe.
ČeSFuR is one of the biggest furry conventions in Europe. The first ČeSFuR was held from March 25–28, 2005 in Březová nad Svitavou, a small town on the border between Bohemia and Moravia. There were only 33 participants, mainly from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. What started as a small gathering has grown to become quite a large event (as far as furry conventions are concerned). For example, ČeSFuR 2017 had close to 300 attendees, including several dozen fursuiters.
ČeSFuR is organized through a joint effort of Czech and Slovak furry fans, but it is an international event open to furries from all over the world. During more than a decade since its inception, the convention has welcomed attendees from 25 countries including Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A lot of events at the convention are in English so language barrier is not a problem.
Like most furry conventions, ČeSFuR is an informal event with a friendly atmosphere. Its program includes a fursuit show, a fursuit dance competition, a DDR tournament, a charity auction, a series of workshops and competitions, an art show, bonfire with the traditional Czech sausage barbecue, fireworks displays, and many other exciting events and activities.
Each installment of ČeSFuR has had a unique theme reflected in its atmosphere and programming. Past themes include Of Ancient Myths and Legends, Treasure Island, Ancient Egypt, Medieval Times – At the King’s Court, etc. Every convention features a guest of honor, a member of the furry fandom who’ve made a significant contribution to the development of the fandom.
Photo: Karakina Fox
