A folk costume inspired ball. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Explore Tatras differently
In Slovakia, the High Tatras are sometimes called 'the lowest high mountains in the world'. The range is a result of several hundred million years' worth of geological processes. In the past, they were even at the bottom of seas. Now, the Východoslovenské Múzeum museum in Košice is hosting a special exhibition of geology pictures dedicated to the High Tatras called TRITRI. The word is of Slavic origin and means a rocky cliff. The pictures show how the mountain range came to be, its composition, how people have shaped it and more.
The High Tatras as seen from the village of Mengusovce. Over the last few days several centimetres of new snow have fallen in the region. (source: TASR)
SPORT
Tradition-inspired fun on the slope
This Saturday, the Mýto Ski & Bike resort near the village of Mýto Pod Ďumbierom in the Low Tatras will once again play host to a day full of traditions and folklore. The Krojovka na Svahu event invites people to come and ski in traditional folk costumes. Even if you don't have one, you're guaranteed a spectacle.
TIP: The 10 largest ski resorts in Slovakia (+ prices).
ART
Feast your eyes on local art and design
Although it started in December, the VD Laboratórium Súčasného Umenia (VD Contemporary Art Laboratory) venue in Banská Bystrica is holding another edition of the popular local design and art market until the end of January. Called Malý art MARKET (Small Art Market), it shows the work of painters, sculptors, jewellers, pottery makers and more, allowing you even to buy their work.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Where to visit saunas in Bratislava
The current frosty weather is ideal for visiting a sauna. Bratislava sauna options range from outdoor saunas in a shipping container or a wooden barrel up to luxurious saunas, for example in a former dungeon. Click here to learn more.
Discover unusual fashion
A criticism that is often levelled at the fashion industry is that it often depicts unrealistic body standards, while forgetting there are people on the fringe with special needs and different body shapes. The a/typik exhibition of inclusive fashion is aiming to change that. Hosted in the Czech House in the centre of Bratislava, the event presents a special series of clothes specially designed for people with disabilities, outside of the gender binary. For more information, click here.
Carters' challenge
In the village life of the past, a furman (carter) was a person who used to pull logs or other heavy loads with horses or oxen. On Saturday, the village of Uhliská, Levice district, will try to relive the tradition with a challenge. Carters from all over Slovakia will come to showcase their capability and skills with their horses in pulling logs.
Atmosphere during a similar challenge in the village of Hriňová, Detva district. (source: TASR)
Ball season begins
The beginning of the year is always the time of balls and 2024 is no exception. Several events will take place already this weekend. On Friday evening, Bratislava's Devínska Nová Ves borough will host the 30th edition of Hrvatski Bal (Croatian Ball), the village of Nižná in the Tvrdošín district will hold the Angler Ball, and the Hunter Ball will take place in the picturesque castle of Smolenice, Trnava district.
Go ice-skating
During the weekend, ice rinks will be open to the public in many towns and villages all over Slovakia, including Banská Bystrica, Zvolen, Nitra, Lučenec, Bratislava (here and here), Liptovský Mikuláš, Žilina, Bardejov, Trnava, Zlaté Moravce, Levoča, Šaľa. Click on individual towns to learn more.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Attend a workshop of traditional Slovak and Ukrainian embroideries. For two more tips, click here.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Learn more about iconic Devín Castle, enjoy the Winter Food Festival, or watch a hockey derby between the East and West.
WHAT TO LEARN: In Slovak, you don't have a sore throat but the throat pains you. For a remedy, have you tried the drink with bacon grease, caramel, and slivovica?
WHAT TO READ: Well-known Slovak jeweller makes crowns for ski World Cup event winners. Fans hoping Slovak skier Petra Vlhová will end up wearing it.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
