Rušňoparáda in Košice. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Summer season awaits
Spiš Castle, one of the largest in Central Europe, will launch the upcoming summer season this Saturday with a special all-day programme for everyone. A historic procession, sword duels, musket salvos, a showcase of historic dances and dance lessons, and much more will await visitors. Find out more here.
Spišský hrad (Spiš Castle) (source: Peter Baňas (Spectacular Slovakia))
TIP: From hijacked planes to hidden ponds, Turiec has plenty to discover. With its natural beauty and rich history, the region is affectionately known as the Garden of Turiec.
ART
May festivities
If you haven’t had your fill of Májales concerts, don’t miss the third edition of this popular event taking place this Friday and Saturday in the town of Nitra, western Slovakia. Held at the Agrokomplex venue, both days will be packed with performances by popular Slovak bands and musicians, including Gladiator, Hex, Heľenine Oči and more. You can get your tickets in advance here.
Want some pudding?
Puding Pani Elvisovej (literally Ms Elvis's Pudding) has long been a staple of Slovakia's indie music scene and has won numerous awards, including Best Concert Band at the Radio_Head Awards three years in a row. This Friday and Saturday, you can catch the final two concerts of their current Ahoj Tour in Modra and Nitra, respectively, which will also include the launch of their new album. Both concerts start at 20:00, with tickets priced at €15. Get yours here and here.
Puding Pani Elvisovej. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Dobrý Trh is back
The popular Dobrý Trh (Good Market) returns this Saturday for its May edition, bringing together local traders, residents, non-profit organisations, artists and more, under the theme "The Art of Coexistence". The event runs from 10:00 to 17:00 across Panenská, Konventná, Lýcejná and Podjavorinská Streets, and will go ahead regardless of the weather. Entry is voluntary, and the full programme is available online.
The Dobrý Trh open air market. (source: Marek Jančúch)
Sit down and relax
Relaxation, fun, music, authentic flavours – if that sounds like the perfect way to unwind after a stressful week, don’t miss the picnic at Zámocký Park in Pezinok, near Bratislava, this Saturday. You can also look forward to games, a workshop, and more. Admission is free. Click here to learn more.
Quidditch Cup
This Saturday, the town of Piešťany in western Slovakia will host a truly magical event: the 9th edition of the Quidditch Cup. Although team registration is now closed, that shouldn’t stop you from coming along to support the players and teams – and simply enjoy the fun. Find out more here.
Illustrative image of a real world Quidditch game. (source: TASR)
Sand adventure
If it’s a bit of adrenaline you’re after instead, why not head to Borský Mikuláš in the Trnava Region and either take part in or watch the Sand Adventure Challenge? This off-road motorbike event on Saturday is open to both amateur and professional riders. Admission is free for the general public. Click here to learn more.
Machine fun
This weekend, Košice is the place to be for all railway enthusiasts. The Rušňoparáda event will take place at the local locomotive depot and, alongside a display of various locomotives on a railway turntable, visitors can enjoy tours of modern and historic trains, a crash simulator, and the introduction of Vlaková Patrola (Train Patrol) – a new concept aimed at families and children, soon to be launched in children's compartments and selected carriages. Click here to learn more. Basic admission is €5.
A steam locomotive on a railway turntable during a previoius Rušňoparáda event. (source: TASR)
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT
A heart-shaped tree
The so-called Love Tree near the village of Jakubova Voľa in eastern Slovakia on April 29. The nickname of the tree comes from the heart-like shape of its canopy. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
May 7-11: The European U21 Table Tennis Championship in Bratislava
May 8-30: The Čipkové Radosti - Vodný Svet lacework exhibition in Žilina
May 10: The Košice Peace Half Marathon
May 12-17: The New Drama festival in Bratislava
May 17: The Museum and Gallery Night
May 17: The Mestské Hradby underground music event in Bratislava
May 18: The Spring vegan festival in Bratislava
May 22-24: The Staromestské Slávnosti event in Žilina
May 23-25: The Svätourbanské Zoborské Slávnosti event in Nitra
May 24: The Halušky Terchová cooking and eating festival in Terchová
May 29-June 1: The BRaK book festival in Bratislava
June 6-7: The Bratislava Collector Days
June 6-8: The Weekend of Open Parks and Gardens
Until June 1: The Trnavská Hudobná Jar classical music festival in Trnava
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Shop local, enjoy live music and escape to the hills.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Learn the art of ballet, experience the diversity of Slovak culture, or simply enjoy a run with friends.
WHAT NOT TO FORGET: 'Appeasement emboldens dictators': Ukraine's ambassador on Russia, memory and war. As Ukraine resists invasion, Myroslav Kastran warns Europe not to repeat the mistakes of the 20th century.
WHAT TO READ: Forget the 1997 Titanic movie. This is a real love story and a woman from Slovakia plays the main part.
WHAT TO WATCH: Slovakia set to clash with Sweden on Ice Hockey World Championship first day. Here is the full schedule of Slovakia’s games — and where to watch them.
WHAT TO LEARN: In a world that often praises constant "Yeses", this reflection explores the peaceful strength and grace found in setting boundaries and honoring one's inner truth.
WHAT TO DISCOVER: Small religious structures along the roads and paths are both a common sight and a defining feature of Slovakia's landscape.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
