An actress during the Kremnické Gagy humour and satire festival. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Traditional fair
In the historic town of Bardejov, eastern Slovakia, the end of August is inextricably linked with a traditional fair. Taking place between August 22-25, the 51st edition (actually the 671st edition if you take into account its entire history - at the beginning of the 13th century, the town was known across Europe as a crucial intersection of important trade routes) once again welcomes traders, craftsmen, musicians, folk ensembles as well as visitors from all over the world to the Radničné Námestie square and its surrounding streets. One of the most popular attractions is the "street of crafts" where visitors can watch how carpets, pottery, jewellery, toys, glass vases and other items are being made. Find out more here.
The traditional fair in Bardejov. (source: TASR)
Celebration of fun
Just like Bardejov, Kremnica, a former mining town in central Slovakia, also holds a traditional event of its own at the end of August. Known as Kremnické Gagy, this festival focuses on humour and satire. As always, the 44th edition will be attended by both Slovak and foreign artists from Hungary, Italy, and as far as Brazil and Chile. Expect theatrical performances including pantomime, a new addition to the "street of famous noses", discussions, and concerts, among other things. Learn more here.
The Kremnické Gagy humour and satire festival. (source: TASR)
Castle to visit
A half-hour drive from Košice reveals the Slanské vrchy hills, where the ruins of Slanec Castle rise above the landscape. The castle has a preserved round tower called Nebojsa (Dare-devil) which will soon become a tourist viewpoint. Although the tower is at the moment inaccessible, the castle can also be reached via foot or bicycle and is worth the visit. Find out more here.
SPORT
Gratitude marathon
Taking place on Sunday, a special 62-kilometre long run called Gratitute ultramarathon will start in Košice and finish in the Mea Grati winery in the famous Tokaj region. The unique goal of the event is to express gratitude to those who can offer help to those in need on one side and encourage others to join in on the other. In addition to taking part in the run, you can also send some money to a charity NGO that organises the event. There will be six stops between the start and finish and anyone who runs at least one section will get a bowl of goulash, a special bottle of wine and more at the finish line. Learn more here.
Pump track championship
On Saturday, the town of Trnava will host the 4th edition of the Slovak Pump Track Championship. The even will be held at a pump truck course that was finished last year. If you don't know, this is a cycling discipline that involves generating momentum by moving your body up and down instead of pedalling on a purpose-built track full with banks, rollers and berms. The race will be attended by Slovak and foreign cyclists, visitors are very much welcome. Learn more here.
Cyclists on a pump track. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Grand Prix of Slovakia
On August 23-25, the Slovakia Ring racing course in the village of Orechová Potôň, in the southwestern part of the country, will host the 15th edition of the OMV MaxxMotion Grand Prix of Slovakia, one of the most important motorsport events, showcasing various series and categories, including the very popular GT3 with cars such as Ferrari 458 GT3, Porsche 911 GT3, Audi R8 GT3, and BMW M4 GT3, each with a distinct engine sound. The audience will also be able to see prototypes. Find out more here.
A race on the Slovakia Ring circuit. (source: TASR)
Jazz music
On Saturday, the picturesque village of Špania Dolina in central Slovakia will host the 20th edition of its international jazz festival, featuring four concerts of Slovak and foreign artists, including Austrian trio Haezz and American saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi. Learn more here.
Look up!
On Sunday, the Tomčany airport near the town of Martin, north Slovakia, will hold an air show showcasing the capabilities, including aerobatic maneuvers, of various aircraft and helicopters. Find out more here.
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
August 24, 31:Discover Abov region in eastern Slovakia using a bike bus
August 24, 25, 29, 31: Historic tram in the High Tatras
August 24-25:Festival of forgotten crafts at the Červený Kameň castle
August 25: Trnava Pipe Organ Days
August 30-31: Uprising music festival
August 31: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča Castle
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Quasars Ensemble is one of the unique professional musical ensembles of its kind in Slovakia. Don't miss them!
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Refresh your wardrobe, learn to stand up for yourself, visit the Bubbles installation and more in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO READ: While its neighbouring countries have already had one or more big videogame hits, Slovakia cannot say the same. Small team hopes their game will change this.
WHAT TO LEARN: A litany of English-Slovak car expressions for you.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: It wasn't a joke: The Queen of Spain really did order shoes from Slovakia.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
