Illustrative image of masks taking part in a Fašiangy procession. (source: TASR)
ART
More music by candle light
During this magical evening, iconic pieces of music from the Harry Potter movies composed by John Williams, Patrick Doyle and others will be performed by several pianists. To make it unforgettable, they will be surrounded by hundreds of lit candles. This Friday marks the first of several concerts that will be held until June 13 over Slovakia. It will take place in Prešov, with the next in Martin on March 7. Click here to grab your tickets and to learn where the remaining concerts will be held.
Also, don't forget that there are other series of concerts with candles going on. Next Friday will see a Czech pianist performing music by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi, while a string quartet will perform Coldplay's hits again in April. Learn more here and here, respectively.
SPORT
Who's the fastest?
This and the next two Fridays skiers both young and old will be able to take part in a speed contest at the Bachledka ski resort in the High Tatras, with children up to the age of 15 being able to win a prize. All you have to do is register at the La Gamba restaurant in the resort and ride the Bachledka II slope down in the fastest time you can between 09:00 and 14:00.
Skiers in Bachledka. (source: TASR)
Sleigh racing
This Saturday, the Chopok peak in the Low Tatras will play host to an international competition in sleigh racing. Riders from Slovakia, Czechia, Poland and Germany will show their mastery in riding sleighs called krňačky, which in the past were used in logging in difficult to access terrain. Find out more here.
Riders on a special type of sleighs called krňačky. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Jewels of the seas
Come and see the most extensive private collection of molluscs, comprising of more than 3,000 unique shells, including some record-breaking ones, are currently on display at the Tihányi Manor in Banská Bystrica, central Slovakia. The exhibition showcases their variety, shapes, colouration and other features, allowing visitors to learn a lot about the life in the seas and oceans on Earth. Learn more here.
The carnival of the past
In Slovakia, the time between January 6 and the beginning of Lent is called Fašiangy (carnival). It involves people walking in processions in masks and costumes around villages, towns, as well as tasting some delicacies as part of the popular Zabíjačka festivals (which translates to "pig killing"; you can learn more about it here).
On this occasion, the Kysuce Village Museum in northern Slovakia will hold a special event this Sunday in the Vychylovka open air museum (one that show what village life once looked like), showcasing how our ancestors celebrated various traditions associated with Fašiangy, such as tasting freshly made delicacies, learning about the masks, and witnessing a performance of a folk group. Don't forget to don some warm clothes. Learn more here.
Illustrative image of a Fašiangy procession. (source: TASR)
Exhibition of masks
As mentioned, masks are an inextricable part of Fašiangy. A new exhibition of these masks is now opening at Trenčín Castle, showcasing ones from a private collection. The event will allow visitors to learn the meaning behind the traditional costumes, as well as why people donned them. Find out more here.
Masks from the collection on display at Trenčín Castle. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
February 23, March 2, 9, April 20: More concerts in the Tatra Ice Cathedral in the High Tatras
February 28: Night sky observations in Nitra (registration needed, click here)
February 28: The Critical Mass cycling event in Bratislava
March 1: The Trnavské Fašangi carnival in Trnava
March 1: The Fašiangy celebrations in Bratislava
March 1: The Fašiangy celebrations in Nitra
March 1: The Fašiangy mask making workshop for children in Banská Bystrica
March 4: The Fašiangy celebrations in Banská Bystrica
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FREE OF CHARGE: Enjoy an unforgettable jazz evening or explore the capital during guided tours conducted in English.
WHAT TO READ: I feel sorry for the world young people live in today, says Kate Winslet in an interview with the Sme daily. The famous actress also opens about her new movie about a famous WWII female photojournalist.
WHAT TO LEARN: American singer Jon Bon Jovi is among the rare few public figures known worldwide that that wear their Slovak roots proudly on their sleeves. One could argue that American musician Dave Grohl, the former drummer of the grunge band Nirvana and now the frontman of Foo Fighters, belongs to the other group.
WHAT TO WATCH: A new documentary explores the story of an unconventional underground music venue in Bratislava, located further behind its downtown skyscraper jungle.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great weekend.
