The canonical crypt in Nitra opens once a year. (source: TASR)
HALLOWEEN
Visit a crypt
Though normally closed, the canonical crypt of Nitra Castle opens its doors only once a year. And its time has come once again. Since 1863, the crypt has served as the place of the final rest of Nitra Chapter canons. The entrance, located in the northern part of the castle, is sealed with a stone plate with a cross. On November 1-8, the crypt will be accessible for the general public between 06:00 and 18:00. Admission is free. Find out more here.
Lured to Bojnice
This weekend, the will-o'-the-wisp, the atmospheric ghost seen by travellers at night and misleading them, will this time lure everyone to Bojnice Castle for special night guided tours. Visitors will learn about its history and place in European folklore, as well as the secrets of the funeral ceremonies of nobles and the meaning behind traditional celebrations and customs tied with this period of the year. Find out more here.
Bojnice Castle. (source: TASR)
In similar vein, the town of Púchov, western Slovakia, is holding a will-o'-the-wisp display in the form of carved pumpkins in front of the local theatre. The lanterns, carved by local pupils and elder people, will be on display until November 8. Admission is free. Find out more here.
The village of Nová Bystrica, Žilina Region, will be holding a special detective game called Tajomstvo Svetlonosa (The Secret of the Will-O'-the-Wisp) on each weekend day. Taking place in the local Museum of the Kysuce Village, children will look for mysterious creatures hiding in it. Click here to learn more.
Trips to castles
On Saturday, the 8th edition of the All Souls' Day walk to Hričov Castle will take place. Located above the village Hričovské Podhradie in Žilina Region, attendees will be able to see the ruin of the castle lit up and learn more about its history. Warm clothes and light in the form of a torch or head lamp are mandatory. Find out more here.
Hričov Castle (source: One2We)
On the same day, the Nový Zámok castle in the historic town of Banská Štiavnica, central Slovakia, will be holding a similar event of its own. The 10th edition of the evening event will combine views from the castle, music, poetry, as well as emotion to commemorate the All Souls' Day. Find out more here.
Or rather to a cave?
If walking up a hill to a castle is not up your alley, how about visiting the Stanišovská Jaskyňa cave near the village of Liptovský Ján, northern Slovakia? On Saturday, mysterious creatures dwelling under the ground will once again rise and you should be there to witness it all. Or would you rather prefer your couch? Learn more here.
Stanišovská Cave (source: Emanuele Terenzani)
Flower market
The town of Banská Bystrica is holding its traditional markets dedicated to All Souls' Day. If you're looking for live, cut or potted flowers, bouquets, ikebanas, natural wreaths, dried flowers, flower arrangements, and the like, this is the place to visit. Learn more here.
Until death do us part
The Tabačka culture venue in Košice will host a special festival on Friday called Deadline - The Cycle of Life and Death. The 2nd edition of an unusual event aims to bring up difficult topics, ones that are currently largely taboo, scary in the current society. Authors of books on death, experts from various fields will gather to show that death, ultimately, is part of our lives and there are many ways it can be looked upon. Learn more here.
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
November 7-9: The Bez Hraníc travel festival in Martin
November 8-9: The Nitra Wine Festival
November 9: St. Martin's fair in Stupava
November 9: Kite flying in Šenkvice
November 10: Country-wide meeting of collectors in Banská Bystrica
November 16: The night of theatres
November 24: Best Film Soundtracks with Candlelight in Košice
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Set out on this hike around Bratislava and enjoy autumn nature.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Witness a bodybuilding competition, cheer for footballers during a Champions League match, or pick a concert from the select few in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO READ: The Slovak-American who wants to learn to properly pronounce soft ‘l’ in Slovak.
WHAT TO LEARN: Mixing up cesto (dough) and cesta (road/way/journey) may cause confused faces around you.
WHAT TO TRY: Some restaurants offer a menu with so many options that you might struggle to choose. Other venues will focus on producing just a few dishes but doing them well. A French-style restaurant, on a busy street in the Blumentál area, is very much of the second type.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: Slovakia has made it to the Top 10 destinations list of a global travel guide.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
