Illustrative image. (source: SME Archive)
FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
Tribute to industry and craft
This week, the historic mining town of Banská Štiavnica, central Slovakia, will be celebrating the Salamandrové Dni (Salamander Days) event taking place on September 5-8. Why does the name allude to this small amphibian? A salamander is said to have led locals to veins of precious metals that started the mining tradition here, the first mining academy in Europe, and other historical milestones that formed the current city. The event a tribute to the industry and craft of mining. On Friday, you don't want to miss the famous Salamander Procession featuring 450 participants in costumes depicting the life in the town. In addition, there will be a bazaar-exchange, traditional market, the mining archive will open its door for the public, and more. Click here to learn more.
The famous Salamander Procession features hundreds of participants in costumes. (source: TASR)
Grape harvest festivities are here
Are you craving some good wine? A quick ride from the capital will take you to the traditional Modranské Vinobranie festival, taking place between September 6-8. The grape harvest festivities in the small town of Modra in the foothills of the Small Carpathian mountain range are a celebration of its wine making tradition, featuring a unique beverage known as 'burčiak', a seasonal hard grape cider with a foam that can rival even the one on your beer. In addition to fine drinks, visitors will be able to get a glimpse of crafts of times gone by, folklore, wine cellars and more. For more information, click here.
The Modranské Vinobranie festival. (source: TASR)
TIP: What is burčiak?
Visit local vineyards
On Saturday, several dozen wine growers and makers of the Small Carpathian Wine Region will invite wine afficionados to taste their production - both the fruit of the land and the fruit of their labour, while enjoying the view of the beautiful country. Vineyards in Rača, Vajnory, Svätý Jur, Limbach, Pezinok, Šenkvice, Modra and more will welcome you between 11:00-19:00; a ticket costs €20 and includes a €5 voucher for the purchase of wine. Learn more here.
TIP: Devín, Leanka, Mília? Great Bratislava wines still wait to be discovered
Let your inner child out
Called the fair of all fairs, Radvanský Jarmok held in Banská Bystrica is a renowned event in central Slovakia. Taking place on September 5-8, the theme of the 366th edition is toys, meaning visitors will be able to let their inner child to have a field day on the squares and nearby streets of the city centre. The program includes folk crafts, music, theatre and dance performances, workshops and lots of other activities. More information here.
The Radvanský Jarmok fair in Banská Bystrica. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Košice Aviation Days
The skies over the Košice Region will once again feature a spectacular airshow, attracting not only locals, but those from other regions of Slovakia as well as from abroad. The two day event on September 7-8 will be jam-packed with aerobatics showcasing the skills of top pilots, display of modern helicopters as well as historic machines. Find out more and get your tickets here.
Polish pilot Artur Kielak showing an aerial maneuver during the 2O19 Košice Aviation Days. (source: TASR)
History returns to Devín Castle
On September 7, warriors will return to historic Devín Castle near Bratislava. Once again, the Knights at Devín Castle event will allow visitor to get a glimpse into how brave men and women fought in times gone by. The event will begin with a training session of Roman legionnaires, and will continue with antique dances, a Hungarian knight tournament, fencing duels and more. The event is for both children and adults alike, with a special programme for little ones. Get your tickets online here.
Stinky history of hygiene
Hygiene has come a long way, to the point where we take tap water, sanitising sprays and regular baths for granted. It was not always the case, as you'll discover on Saturday and Sunday at Čachtice Castle in western Slovakia. A special programme called the Stinky History of Hygiene will show you how our ancestors took care of themselves. Find out more here.
Čachtice Castle. (source: TASR)
SPORT
Night run
The popular Bratislava Night Run is upon us once again, luring thousands of runners, both local and foreign to the capital. The 16th edition of the event once again offers unique atmosphere, with the route going right through the tunnel under the castle hill, where DJs exhibit their music and lights for the event. People who took part in the run talk about it as a memorable experience. A special medal for participants is also a big lure. You can still register in person. If you're not the type, then definitely come cheers for the athletes. In both cases, find out more here.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
MORE UPCOMING EVENTS
September 6-8:Campana multigenre festival in Nitra
September 7: Discover Nitra Region with bike bus
September 8:Trnava Pipe Organ Days final concert
September 12-15:Traditional fair in Trnava
September 13:GymnAFest concerts of young talents in Banská Bystrica
September 13:Night tours of Trenčín Castle
September 14: International Observe the Moon Night
September 20-22: Pezinok grape harvest festival
September 20-22: Comics Salón & AnimeSHOW pop-culture festival in Bratislava
September 21:Pétanque tournament in Banská Bystrica
September 21: Antiques bazaar at the Červený Kameň castle
September 22:Country-wide gathering of collectors in Banská Bystrica
September 27: The Noc Vedy science festival
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Taste Iranian, Kenyan, Cameroonian or Indian food, listen to a Slovak women's chamber orchestra.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Come along to experience Ukrainian, Indonesian and Jewish cultures, or attend Open-air Bratislava Jazz Days. Find more event in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO READ: In the new instalment of the Slovak Roots newsletter, you can look forward to exploring the Myjava region of western Slovakia, learn about the Slovak diplomat who fought tooth and nail for every square metre of Czechoslovakia, as well as the story of Slovak-American Michael John Meehan, a descendant of Slovak emigrants.
WHAT TO LEARN: Slovak Matters: learning with less trstenica and more internet or what a teacher will find in a Slovak classroom.
WHAT TO DISCOVER: Experience the horrors of war and spirituality in the northeast of Slovakia.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
