ONE of Slovakia’s typical foods, the potato, got its due at a festival organised by the city of Banská Štiavnica at the end of November.
“This autumn festival builds thematically on traditional elements of folk culture, but especially on the ordinary life of people in the countryside, for whom also an ordinary potato and its harvest mean a chance for celebration to show thanks for good yields,” Rastislav Marko, head of the department of culture, sports and media at Banská Štiavnica, told TASR newswire.
On November 27, visitors to the festival, called Krumpľový (krumpľa is dialect for potato), were able to taste traditional meals like halušky (potato dumplings), šúľance (gnocchi-like meal), pirôžky (patties), pancakes, a potato soup, but also chips and French fries. They were also encouraged to make a figure, an animal or any item from potatoes in a workshop. Awards went to the best potato scultpures.
The interactive programme was complete with the Three-krumple Tournament, where contestants of all ages could peel a potato in one peel, eat bryndzové halušky as quickly as possible and participate in a potato toss. Folk craftsmen and a folklore ensemble completed the atmosphere. The historical-artistic company Bojník co-organised the event with the city of Banská Štiavnica.