Runners at the Devín-Bratislava National Run. (source: TASR)
SPORT
Run from Devín to Bratislava
Did you finish last Sunday's marathon and crave for more? Then don't miss the Devín-Bratislava National Run, one of Slovakia's oldest sports events, held this Sunday. More than 5,700 runners have already signed up to conquer the 11,625 metre-long route. Adults and children alike can compete in several categories. Registration needed. If you missed your opportunity to do online, you can still do it in person at Ondrej Nepela Ice Stadium on April 11-12 from 10:00 to 20:00. Click here to learn more.
The start of the last year's edition of the Devín - Bratislava run. (source: TASR)
Racewalking championship
If running is not up your alley, why not take part in the Banskobystricý Chodecký Míting international racewalking competition held this Saturday in Banská Bystrica, central Slovakia? The 9th edition welcomes both local and foreign athletes to test their mettle. Click here to learn more.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Easter of the past
With Easter approaching, the Museum of the Slovak Village in Martin will be hosting a special event dedicated to Slovak Easter traditions that were observed by people of distant past, including showcases of how decorated eggs called kraslice and whips used in the so-called šibačka were made. Click here to learn more.
Celebration of records
Record Store Day is a celebration of the culture of buying music on physical media in a brick-and-mortar record store. The idea dates back to 2008 when selling of music was moving towards online stores. This year, the day is observed on April 12 and the record stores in Bratislava will also join in on the occasion, offering special editions, meetings with musicians, special prices, and more. The participating stores include Wegart, Dr. Horák, and Vinyloveplatne.sk. Click here, here, and here, respectively, to learn more.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR/AP )
Light art
This weekend, the town of Trenčín, western Slovakia, will be brimming with light as the installations of the Light Art Festival will illuminate its streets, square and many nooks and crannies. Slovak and foreign artists will employ projection mapping, light, music, digital art and more to show their creativity. The iconic Trenčín Castle will play host to a laser performance. Click here to learn more about the programme, map of individual pieces, admission is free.
Get yourselves some tulips
Soon, the tulip garden in the village of Tekovský Hrádok, south-western Slovakia, will allow visitors to self pick tulips. The owners will post opening times on their Facebook page, so if you plan on visiting the garden, be sure to check them out first. Click here to learn more.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR/AP )
A board game competition
Settlers of Catan, also known in Slovak as Osadníci z Katanu, is a modern board game staple akin to Monopoly. Due to its popularity, world-wide tournaments are held. This Sunday, the Dunajský Pohár (Danube Cup) competition will take place in Bratislava, giving players the opportunity to qualify for the 20th Slovak Championship in autumn. This is just one of several qualifying competitions, more will be held in upcoming weeks in Trnava, Košice, and Spišská Belá. If you want to take part, you need to register via e-mail. Learn more here.
The return of a phenomenon
For more than 100 years, Trnava used to play host to Pašiové Hry, a theatrical and religious event that lured hundreds of visitors, both local and foreign, to the town. However, 2005 saw the last edition. Now, after 20 years, this weekend will see the return of the event to the Bernolákov Sad park in the form of a two-day open-air theatrical performance.
Its story is based on Bible and depicts a wanderer who does not believe anything. However, over the course of the play, he learns that there is still a seed of truth in the world. The production will feature professional actors, period costumes blended with modern technology. Admission is free, learn more here.
Wood will be an important part of the Pašiové Hry theatrical event. (source: Zaži v Trnave)
TRAVEL
A quiet corner. Or not?
"Most people know Malacky for its factories. Travelling northwest from Bratislava, it is the vast production halls in the fields—serving the automotive industry—that first catch the eye," writes our colleague Jozef Ryník in his latest travel guide, adding that beyond this lies a town with unexpected architectural and historical treasures.
That town is Malacky and it offers more than first meets the eye. Among its highlights is a remarkable synagogue. Click here to learn more tips on what to see in the region of Záhorie.
The synagogue in Malacky is one of the best preserved in Slovakia. (source: SME/Jozef Ryník)
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT
Spring is in full swing in Slovakia, trees, plants are flowering all over the country. Have a look at some pictures taken in the last couple of days that showcase the beauty of the nature.
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
April 19: The Easter Critical Mass bike ride in Nitra
April 24-26: The Sharpe music festival & conference in Bratislava
April 25-27: SlavCon 2025 fantasy, sci-fi and history festival in Bratislava
April 26: The Trolleybus day in the Hroboňova Depot in Bratislava
April 26-27: The Bratislava City Days event
April 26-27: The Hobby and Gardens festival in Bratislava
May 3: The United Colours of Football tournament in Bratislava
May 10: The Dobrý Trh market in Bratislava
May 18: The Spring vegan festival in Bratislava
May 29-June 1: The BRaK book festival in Bratislava
June 6-8: The Weekend of Open Parks and Gardens
Until June 1: The Trnavská Hudobná Jar classical music festival in Trnava
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Set out on a pleasant weekend hike or visit international gymnastics competition.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Run for the memory, celebrate the World Circus Day and look for the Easter eggs around the ancient castle.
WHAT TO THINK ABOUT: Have you seen the new and creatively titled A Minecraft Movie? "This might well be the first movie that’s 100 percent constructed, top to bottom, to be consumed like an internet meme," opines The Slovak Spectator's Oscar Brophy and adds that a Minecraft mania is about to sweep the country.
WHAT TO LEARN: Slovakia is a leader in research into Alzheimer's disease, says neuroimmunologist Norbert Žilka from the Slovak Academy of Sciences, adding that there are three reasons for that.
WHAT TO ADD TO YOUR VOCABULARY: From ships to Latin, Slovak's greeting vocabulary is rich and broad.
WHAT TO READ: A café in an ice cellar, sand dunes and a flower shop at the border: Záhorie is a storybook waiting to be pedalled through.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: Record-breaking Bratislava Marathon supports visually impaired athletes.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great weekend.
