A still from a previous edition of Cirkul'art. (source: TASR)
TIP OF THE WEEK
Celebrating circus
The only event of its kind in Slovakia, the Cirkul’art Festival is an international celebration of creativity, featuring contemporary theatre, modern circus, and street art. This vibrant showcase takes place from 23 to 25 May in Malacky and in Bratislava (Eurovea shopping mall). Click here for tickets and full programme details.
Slovenian artist Andrej Tomše performing at Cirkul'art in 2022. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Castle surrounded by legends
Located near the village of Sklabinský Podzámok in northern Slovakia, Sklabiňa Castle has stood in ruins since the Second World War. In 2020, restoration work began. Legend has it that during storms, thunderous footsteps, the clanking of chains and weapons, and other eerie sounds can be heard within the castle walls. If you'd like to put that to the test, Sklabiňa Castle is open all year round, with entry available upon payment of a fee. Click here to learn more.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Eating competitions
The village of Terchová near Žilina, northern Slovakia will teem with the scent of halušky, Slovakia's famous potato dumplings smothered in sheep cheese and bacon. The traditional cooking and eating competition taking place this Saturday will allow you to get the taste of the national meal if you haven't already in a beautiful region surrounded by mountains. Admission is €20 for adults, half price for seniors, children aged 6 to 18 and special needs. Click here for more details.
If Terchová is too far away, the town of Poltár, Banská Bystrica Region, will hold its own halušky cooking and eating competition on the very same day. Click here for more details.
Bryndza cheese can be a bit of an aquired taste. If you don't think you'd like it, head to the village of Častá, Bratislava Region, to grab a bowl at a cauldron goulash cooking competition.
A halušky cooking and eating competition. (source: TASR)
TIP: How to spend a perfect day in Terchová, without much effort.
Help those in need
Following successful events in Bratislava and Košice, the Nájdite Sa (Find Each Other) series is coming to Banská Bystrica, with the hope that animals from local shelters will find their forever homes. Taking place in the city park on Saturday, visitors will be able to meet stray animals and others who have endured much, spend time playing with them and taking them for walks—and perhaps even adopt one. You'll also have the opportunity to speak with shelter staff, learn about training, and much more. If you've ever considered adopting an animal, it's always the better choice over buying from breeders. Find out more here.
See what students have been up to
The Academy of Fine Arts and Design (AFAD) in Bratislava is once again hosting its Summer Semester exhibition, offering the public a glimpse into the latest student work across fine arts, design, architecture, and restoration. The exhibition runs from Friday to Sunday and takes place across three AFAD buildings—on Hviezdoslavovo Námestie, Drotárska Street, and Koceľova Street. All venues will be open daily from 9:00 to 18:00. Find out more about what you can see here.
Works of students from two years ago. (source: TASR)
Falconers at a castle
Experience a medieval day at Červený Kameň Castle in the Bratislava Region. On Saturday, its Astur falconry yard will host falconry displays, medieval attractions, historical crafts, people in period costume, and much more. Admission starts at €5 for children and €7 for adults. Click here to learn more.
TIP: An unusual subject. Fifth-graders put on gloves and invite raptors to sit on their arms.
Open wine cellar day
In 20 towns and villages scattered across the Little Carpathian region, more than 100 wine cellars will be open on Friday and Saturday between 14:00 (12:00 on the latter day) and 21:00 on the occasion of May 25 being the namesday for Urban, as St Urban of Langres is patron saint of vine-dressers, as they helped hide him from persecutors. Both days will give you the opportunity to taste wine that is earning more and more awards abroad. Admission for the 18th edition of the event is €50, included in the price is also a €25 bonus for buying individual bottles of wine. Tickets, map and more can be found here.
The vineyards above Bratislava. (source: SME - Jozef Jakubčo)
Doors open day at a golf course
Ever thought about giving golf a go but figured it’s a bit pricey and weren’t sure if you’d actually enjoy it? Then don’t miss the Doors Open Day at the Golf Trnava course in western Slovakia this Sunday. You can have a swing with help from pro instructors and take part in loads of fun activities. And the best part? It’s all completely free.Find out more here.
Bring a bit of greenery into your life
This weekend, the Steel Aréna stadium in Košice will transform into a vast plant market, offering a wide variety of houseplants—small, large and everything in between—direct from greenhouses and local suppliers. There will also be fertilisers, accessories, and more. Admission is free. Find out more here.
A previous edition of the market in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT
Twists and turns
A tree standing between fields of blooming shamrock under the Černecký Vrch hill above the village of Sobotište, Trnava Region. (source: Martin Mednansky)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
May 22-24: The Staromestské Slávnosti event in Žilina
May 23-25: The Svätourbanské Zoborské Slávnosti event in Nitra
May 24: Season opening at Bratislava Zoo
May 24: The Štiavnicke Kumštárium craft festival in Banská Štiavnica
May 29-June 1: The BRaK book festival in Bratislava
May 30: Critical Mass celebrating 15 years of rides in Bratislava
May 31: The Raňajky v Elektrárni event in Piešťany
May 31: The Stupavské Hry sports games event for children in Stupava
June 6-7: The Bratislava Collector Days
June 6-8: The Weekend of Open Parks and Gardens
June 7: The Stredovek v Sade medieval event in Bratislava
June 7: The Rytieri na Devíne knight festival in Devín
June 14: Rendez 2025 historic train exhibition in Bratislava
June 21: The Roleplaying Games day in Ihrysko board game store in Bratislava
June 21-30: Radničné Hry open-air theatre event in Trnava
Until June 1: The Trnavská Hudobná Jar classical music festival in Trnava
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Architecture and design festival, ensemble concert or a hiking tip for the weekend.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Celebrate Slovak music and designers — and join the festivities for Brittany Day.
WHAT TO LEARN: Here's a quick quiz question. Where is the oldest traditional marathon in Europe held? Would you guess maybe London or Paris, perhaps Berlin? It's actually in Košice, eastern Slovakia!
WHAT TO DISCOVER: A sculpture of Empress Maria Theresa made out of white Carrara marble used to decorate the Danube embankment. Part of it ended up in the river.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: A Slovak female triathlete has shattered barriers with historic win at an Himalayan event.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
