A large mining nativity scene with around 20 life-size figures was presented to the public in the central Slovak mining of Špania Dolina on December 14. The scene captures miners carved out of wood coming to bow to baby Jesus, St Mary, and Joseph.
This nativity scene was originally created 70 years ago by local nativity woodcarver Jozef Vajcík. Klopačka Pension reconstructed the idea by commissioning the creation of a precise replica of the original artwork. It stands near the guesthouse, at the 730-year old mining shaft Ferdinand, where visitors can see it until Three Kings Day on January 6.
The same day they introduced the nativity scene, Klopačka Pension also opened two new permanent interior expositions dedicated to local art and history: bobbin lace and mining exhibitions. The first features examples of typical Špania dolina lace patterns from the 19th century, which were created using very fine threads.
"The lace, which is very typical for the region, used to be sold around all of Europe," said ???? Vigaš, the ???? of the Pension guesthouse.
The expositions are open daily from 10:00 to 20:00 at Klopačka Pension, Špania Dolina 102, in the Banská Bystrica district. For more information call 048/4198-440.
Zuzana Habšudová
