Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
Tattoo artist Adra transforms folk designs into modern art
Slovak folk tradition is thriving in unexpected ways, thanks to tattoo artist Andrea "Adra" Kopecká. Specialising in traditional Slovak embroidery designs, Andrea brings pieces of history to life through her intricate tattoos, which adorn the skin of both folklore enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper connection to Slovak heritage.
“Slovak folklore is rich and highly ornamental,” she says. Inspired by embroidery’s deep roots as a traditional women’s craft, Andrea has given it new life via tattoos. “As a female artist, I’m reinterpreting this art under the skin – it’s my way of reviving folklore.”
Photographer captures stunning footage of village enveloped by fog
Beautiful footage of rolling fog enveloping a village in northern Slovakia. (source: Ľubomíra Šeroňová - Pravda)
Ovčiarsko is a charming village in Žilina Region, nestled in the picturesque Kysuce highlands. Known for its peaceful rural atmosphere, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and tourists seeking tranquility.
The area offers scenic hiking and cycling trails, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the natural beauty of the region. Some stunning shots of mist rolling over this landscape were recently captured by Pravda daily’s reader, Ľubomíra Šeroňová.
David Dobrik returns to TikTok, with a Slovak twist
Popular online influencer David Dobrik, who was born in Košice but grew up in the USA, has found a clever way to bypass the US TikTok ban: by creating a new account using a Slovak SIM card. On his new profile, he addresses his fans in Slovak and even embraces a clichéd “typical Slovak” look, donning pseudo-agricultural attire.
Despite living in the United States for years, Dobrik seems determined to maintain his presence on the Chinese app TikTok, which was recently banned on security grounds in the USA. His latest videos are geared towards Slovak audiences; shortly after his first post, another Slovak-oriented video followed.
Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator to read:
A new restaurant will open in Bratislava’s historic port building in March. The Medusa group plans to breathe new life into Warehouse No. 7.
Slovakia is one of the largest malt exporters in the world.
Ryanair is launching Slovakia’s first direct route to Poland’s Baltic coast. New flights to Gdańsk, as well as Milan and Bari in Italy, promise fresh travel options for Slovaks.
In Slovak Paradise, winter swimmers seek shivering bliss.
Zvolen has unveiled a plan to transform its historic fortress into a cultural hotspot.
Meme of the week
Caption: Even STVR is clear about this.
This week's meme was taken from the satirical collective Zomri's official Facebook page.
It parodies an on-air mistake by state TV broadcaster STVR in which President Peter Pellegrini was misidentified as Prime Minister Robert Fico, leader of the Smer party. Pellegrini was formerly a political protégé of Fico's before quitting to set up a new party, Hlas, in 2020. Pellegrini has been criticised for meekly acquiescing to Fico's often transgressive statements and actions.
You can send me your tips for good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
