The 9th century chapel above the village of Nitrianska Blatnica. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Discover the Nitra Region
On Saturday, several guided tours will be taking place in the Nitra Region. The reconstructed hillfort from the era of the Great Moravia in the village of Bojná shows how life looked like in the 9th century. In the village of Nitrianska Blatnica stands a 9th century chapel, one of the oldest buildings in the country. And finally, Nitra's Vila K building, an important functionalist architectural work is also open. Find our more here, here, and here.
For cycling afficionados, there is an option to take a bike bus to the town of Topoľčianky and head out to one of many cycling routes nearby. You need to reserve a seat on the bus here. On Sunday, the town holds a period picnic dedicated to the first Czechoslovak president T. G. Masaryk. Get tickets here.
The common history of two nations
The Veľká Javorina hill in the White Carpathians mountain range on the Czecho-Slovak border has long been considered a symbol of good relations of Slovaks and Czechs. Because of this, every summer locals from both sides of the border meet here and celebrate history, traditions and their cooperation. Taking place over two days, the event consists of two parts. On Saturday, hikers and cyclist will make their way to the top of the hill, while on Sunday a rich cultural programme will take over. Find out more here.
The celebrations at the Veľká Javorina mountain. (source: TASR)
The friendlier side of Roman-Germanic relations
History portrays them as the bitterest of enemies, but a discovery near a village in western Slovakia almost 60 years ago shows that there wasn't always a violent antipathy between the Romans and Germanic tribes that lived on the edge of their empire. Recently, an archaeological park showing a Roman-Germanic settlement was opened in the village of Cífer near Trnava, showing the history of area. Learn more here.
Archaeological park showing part of a Roman-Germanic settlement in Cífer. (source: Matúš Beňo)
ART
Amateur theatre festival
The town of Nitra will host a community festival dedicated to the amateur theatre scene. Taking place over six days, the festival aims to develop dramaturgy, experiment, look for ways to work with a younger audience and improve their critical thinking. Although mainly targeting the local amateur scene, the festival is also open to performers from outside Slovakia. Learn more here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Sheep shearing competition
On Saturday, the 19th edition of the International Sheep Shearing Championships will take place at a farm near the village of Kamenec pod Vtáčnikom, Trenčín Region. The shearers will try to improve the Slovak record for how long it took to shear a sheep - 46 seconds. In addition, attendees will witness a demonstration of sheep herding with a dog, milking sheep, halušky eating competition, and more. Throughout the day, various delicacies will be served as well. Find out more here.
Sheep shearing. (source: TASR)
A mediaeval day
The Mediaeval Day is one of the most popular events taking place during Žilina's cultural summer programme. Taking place in the Mariánske Námestie square on Friday, the event brings falconers, archers, craftsmen, music, fire show and more to the centre of the northern Slovakia town. Find out more here.
Bear days
A popular educational event for children returns in a new format. Taking place in the Hrebienok resort in the High Tatras on July 27-28, this year's Medvedie Dni (Bear Days) event combines theatrical performances, silent activities, and interactive games, including a forest expedition full of sensory experiences. In addition, attendees will learn about the work of mountain rescuers, mountain porters. Admission is free. Find out more here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 31-August 4: Jánošíkove Dni folk festival in Terchová
August 2-3: Víno pod Hviezdami wine festival
August 2-4: Atmosféra music festival
August 9-10: Grape music festival
August 9-11: Discover Poloniny event in eastern Slovakia
August 10: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Bratislava Castle
August 16-18: Lovestream music festival
August 30-31: Uprising music festival
August 31: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča CastleAugust 31: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča CastleAugust 31: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča Castle
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Gerulata, the former Roman camp managed near Bratislava, will come alive with a unique and engaging picnic event.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Don't miss a silent disco, spend an evening by the city walls, and learn a French game in this week's edition of the Top 10 events.
WHAT TO LEARN: Reflexive verbs are hard to remember, but they make the difference between, for example, soaking in the water and peeing in the water.
WHAT TO READ: How culture, IT, and industrial growth are shaping Košice and revolutionising the city.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: An amateur mineral collector from south-central Slovakia has made a unique discovery.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
