The atmosphere at the Apple Feast in Modra. (source: Bratislava Region)
ART
Košice illuminated
After Bratislava last weekend, the popular Biela Noc (White Night) multi-genre festival showcasing current trends in art and technology moves to Košice this weekend (October 6-8), once again bringing visual and audio installations, interactive objects, film projections, dance performances and much more to the cultural centre of eastern Slovakia. While some parts of the festival are free, others require a ticket. For more information, including map, tickets and more, click here (in English).
One of the art pieces during the Biela Noc event in Bratislava last weekend. (source: TASR)
SPORT
Help organise an ultra running event
This weekend, the Javorníky mountain range in northern Slovakia hosts an ultramarathon and long-distance march called Javornícka Stovka (The Javorníky Hundred). Although registration for the marathon has closed, the organisers are still looking for volunteers for various posts to help make the event go as smoothly as possible. The trail is certified and winds through beautiful mountainous scenery. For more information on how to participate, click here (in Slovak).
TRAVEL
Culinary 'Olympics'
When asked what the most typical Slovak food is, every Slovak would first answer bryndzové halušky, the gnocchi-like dumplings made of potato dough served with sheep's cheese. But there is also bryndzové pirohy, ravioli-like pasta with a filling made of bryndza and potatoes. On Saturday, October 7, the town of Zvolen in central Slovakia will host an "Olympic" event unlike any other: a mass preparation of bryndzové pirohy. You too can be there, and taste the finest traditional dishes. Of course, a rich programme is naturally part of the event. For more information, click here (in Slovak).
Cooking pirohy. (source: SME - Marko Erd)
Grab a healthy bite at the Apple Feast
Apple treats, cakes, soups, sauces, products and much more can all be had during this Saturday in Bratislava and small towns and villages in its vicinity, including Modra, Pezinok, Jablonka, Senec, Stupava and others. The 15th edition of this festival of everything apple-related promises a healthy treat. For more information, click here (in Slovak).
All hail the mighty cabbage!
In celebration of this humble vegetable, the town of Stupava, in the Záhorie region north of Bratislava, hosts the annual Dni Zelá (Days of Cabbage) during the first weekend of October. This year is no exception. Between October 6-8, visitors to the town will be able to witness cabbage-growing traditions, the cooking of cabbage soup, cabbage art, and much more. In addition, the rich programme includes craft fair, dance performances. For more information, click here (in Slovak).
A look into the distant past
The Western Slovakian Museum in Trnava is holding an archaeological exhibition showcasing how the life of humans living in the territory of the town and its vicinity looked in around 4,000 BC, during the so-called Copper Age. Visitors will learn how tools were made, how people dressed and what they ate, and will have the opportunity to observe various archaeological finds such as ceramics, tools and graves. For more information, click here (in Slovak).
TIP: How I narrowly missed summiting Rysy in the High Tatras.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Fly your kite high
If there is an activity that is inextricably linked with autumn, it is flying kites. On both days this weekend, thematic events are being held in several places in Slovakia: in Bratislava's Vajnory borough, the northern Slovakia village of Varín, in the village of Nitrianske Pravno near Prievidza in western Slovakia, in the spa town of Sliač in central Slovakia, and at the Zemplínska Šírava reservoir in eastern Slovakia. Links in Slovak.
TIP: The Slovak mother helping children in America read Slovak books.
They will, proverbially, outlive us all
Although very few people would find cockroaches beautiful, the infamous bugs are still an irreplace part of the world's ecosystems. A special exhibition dedicated to them will be available on both days this weekend at 2.00pm in the Tihániovský Kaštiel manor in Banská Bystrica. In addition, there is parallel exhibition of more than 30 species of cockroaches from all over the world. For more information, click here (in Slovak).
TIP: Not all of the courtyards are open to the public, but Lucia Lišková always finds a way to get in.
UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER 22: If you miss any of the kite-flying opportunities this weekend, don't fret. You'll get another chance in the town Vráble, western Slovakia, later this month.
OCTOBER 28: A volunteering activity that aims to make the Frambor Park in Žilina, northern Slovakia, more beautiful by planting trees.
OCTOBER 28: Ghosts will return to haunt picturesque Bojnice Castle in the run-up to Hallowe'en.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: A group of foreigners plans to hike Jelenia Hora in the Little Carpathian hills, leaving from Bratislava.
WHAT TO BE CHEERFUL ABOUT: The director of the Gemer-Malohont museum in Rimavská Sobota has achieved a remarkable feat.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Bratislava is in motion, meaning there is a dance festival. If that's not up your alley, why not go to a flea market or a vegan feast?
WHAT TO LEARN: As English has more words than Slovak, there are English words that have no equivalent.
WHAT TO READ: How does it feel to live in Manderlák, Bratislava's first high-rise building?
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a restful weekend!
