Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
Christmas decorations to be made by hand again in Štítnik after 25 years
Christmas decorations were produced in Štítnik from 1954 to 2000. (source: TASR)
After 25 years, the tradition of producing handmade Christmas ornaments is returning to Štítnik, in Rožňava district, eastern Slovakia. Glass-blown decorations will be made at the new GemCraft centre, set to open in May, alongside ornaments made from other materials.
GemCraft, located in a renovated townhouse on Ochtinská Street, is a project by the GemArt civic association. Besides glassmaking, it will host ceramic and woodworking workshops, with plans to add a textile workshop in 2026 focused on preserving Štítnik lace.
The centre will serve as an interactive museum, open year-round, where visitors can try crafts and make souvenirs. Local artisans will help set up workshops, which will offer unique collections inspired by Gemer’s history. Courses and potentially a social enterprise are also planned.
New mobile game explores Gemer’s Gothic churches, with added adventure
Plešivec (source: Branislav Caban)
Košice Region has introduced a new interactive and educational game for families called “Behind Churches with a Virtual Brush”, available in the Geofun mobile app. The game takes players on a geolocation-based adventure to four Gothic churches in the eastern Gemer region, combining fun, learning and exploration.
Funded by the Terra Incognita grant, the project includes four unique games featuring historical guides like restorer Gróh and painter Dante, who reveal the stories behind medieval frescoes. Inspired by geocaching, the experience includes quizzes, mathematical puzzles and cultural insights.
The games are fully narrated and available in Slovak, Czech and English. They are designed for both kids and adults, and players can collect points and compete for prizes. The mascot Kaško, from Haravara kids' world, accompanies players throughout their journey.
Slovak scientist creates life-saving water purifier – and earns a spot among Forbes '30 under 30'
Diana Virgovičová (source: pravda.sk)
Diana Virgovičová, a young Slovak scientist, developed a powder that purifies water via a photocatalyst activated by sunlight. It helps communities in Africa and, by relieving girls of the traditional responsibility for seeking water for their families, gives young women more time to devote to education. Her work has earned her a spot on the Forbes "30 under 30" North America list in its manufacturing & industry category for 2025.
Interested in science since childhood, she began researching water purification at 14 and later studied in London and Toronto. Her invention is already in use in Kenya and Madagascar, turning polluted water into safe drinking water.
Diana also advocates for women in science and hopes to return to Slovakia, though she says more support for researchers is needed here.
Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator for you to enjoy:
Three defining moments in the UK-Slovakia relationship: We are partners, friends and Allies.
From furniture to finance: some businesses that have shaped Slovakia’s market economy since the 1990s.
Slovakia’s rising stars are changing what it means to lead.
A unique underground museum in Košice reopens, with a major renovation set for next year.
Koštúfka festival reveals the deep roots of Slovak wine-making – and a few bottles you will not find anywhere else.
Meme of the week
Caption: When the Pope finally gets better and then this comes to the Vatican.
The satirists at Zomri this week highlighted the arrival of a delegation led by Slovakia's President Peter Pellegrini at the Holy See, on the occasion of the national pilgrimage, which takes place from April 3 to 6 this year. Slovakia's most recent high-level visit was by Prime Minister Robert Fico, who visited Pope Francis in mid February; hours later the pontiff was taken seriously ill and hospitalised for several weeks.
Joke of the day: Peter Pellegrini called for unity in the interest of common values in the Vatican... as soon as we clarify what our common values are.
You can send me your tips for good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
