Come a Nitra venue and relax on a bean bag with a cup of tea while listening to music. (source: TASR)
ART
A classical music concert
The Trnavská Hudobná Jar (Trnava Spring Music) series of concerts continues in April with two events, starting with Slovak singer Ingrida Gápová supported by Polish pianist Bartłomiej Wezner this Sunday evening in the Ján Palárik Theatre. Together, they will mostly perform pieces by Slovak composer, conductor and pedagogue Mikuláš Schneider-Trnavský. At the end of the month the Italian group Armonioso will perform composer Antonio Vivaldi's pieces. For more information, click here. Tickets will be available at the place of the event.
Concerts to help you relax
The Maximilián Hell Observatory and Planetarium in Žiar nad Hronom, central Slovakia, is offering visitors a unique way to experience Pink Floyd's iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon. Last year, the album turned 50 and the band embraced the idea of pairing it with visuals of the cosmos. Each song is presented with a different visual theme. In April, there will be several screenings on Thursdays and Fridays and the number of tickets is limited. Be sure to click here for more information and here for ticket reservation.
Also, if you happen to be in Nitra, the Domof Creativity venue will hold a two-hour "unforgettable dream concert with tea" on Friday evening. What better way to relax after a stressful day than throwing yourself into a huge bean bag with a good cup of tea. Click here for more details.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Help clean Petržalka
Here's a great opportunity to volunteer and give back to your community. On Saturday, this year's first cleaning event for the public will take place. Volunteers will clean a part of the Danube riverbank located between the bridges of Starý Most and Apollo. For lunch, there will be goodies prepared on a grill. For more information, click here.
Bird watching from your home
April is the month when storks began to nest, eventually taking care of two to four younglings on average. If you or your children like to watch them sitting in their huge nests on top of chimneys and other high spots, or just want to stop for a moment in your daily routine, be sure to check out the Kukaj.sk website offering an unprecedented way of looking into their life - online live feeds into their nests in several areas, how they take care of eggs, and later younglings. In addition to storks, there are many more animals to watch.
A white stork in a nest in Trnava, western Slovakia, several days after its arrival. (source: TASR)
Have a date with your city
In April, guided tours through the streets of Bratislava under the banner of Rande s Mestom (Date with the City) continue with several events. Two will take place on Saturday and Sunday, the first about how residents of the past celebrated holidays and their various ins and outs due to the location of Bratislava, and the second about Easter traditions in the capital - this one is also geared towards families with children aged between 5 to 12. For more information and tickets, click here and here.
Meanwhile in Košice, eastern Slovakia, a similar event will take place as well. Over the weekend, several guided tours will take people through the Podhradová neighbourhood, the first satellite of the city with a lot of artworks by famous sculptors and painters both inside and outside of the buildings. Admission is €5, tickets will be available at the place of the tour. Click here for more information.
SPORT
Marathons are back
The 19th edition of the ČSOB Bratislava Marathon is upon us. The popular race winds through the historic parts of Bratislava, offering an interesting path for both local and foreign runners alike. Registration will take place over several days, with shorter races being held on Saturday; the main event as well as the half-marathon and relay race are on Sunday. For more information and registration, click here. If you're not the athletic type, you can always join the crowds cheering for runners.
Last year's edition of the marathon. (source: TASR)
TIP: Promising biathlete hails from what locals call 'cursed' valley.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 13:Plastic Model Show in Svit
April 17-19:Craft Beer Festival in Bratislava
April 20: The historic Samove Hry (Samo's games) event in Bratislava
April 20:The Dobrý Trh (Good Market) in Bratislava
April 20:The PixelZest game and technology festival in Trnava
April 20-21: The Bratislava City Days
April 25-27: The Sharpe music festival in BratislavaApril 25-27: The Sharpe music festival in Bratislava
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: What better way to spend warmer days than in the newly opened and revitalised Presidential Garden?
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Learn the story of Devín Castle, or attend one of the many concerts and parties.
WHAT TO READ: Slovak team develops world's largest fact-checking database in battle against disinformation.
WHAT TO LEARN FROM HISTORY: Why once culturally rich Spiš region is now underdeveloped. Many Slovaks do not know this part of their history.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
