The ice cathedral can be found on Hrebienok. (source: sita, TASR)
TRAVEL
Tatra Ice Cathedral is back
On Friday, popular Tatra Ice Cathedral in the Hrebienok resort above Starý Smokovec in the High Tatras opens its 12th season. This year's theme is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s second visit to Slovakia. Last year, the ice sculptures inspired by Westminster Abbey paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. The dome will be open daily from 09:00 to 17:15 and the admission is free. During the Advent season, a Christmas market will be held each weekend in the resort. Learn more here.
The Tatra Ice Cathedral. (source: TASR/Veronika Mihaliková)
An app for wheelchair users who want to discover Bratislava
While many people only check the location and opening hours of sights in Bratislava, others have to deal with accessibility. For people on a wheelchair, a high curb may be an insurmountable barrier. Likewise, visually impaired visitors appreciate having an audio guide or Braille descriptions. Luckily, there are many sights have been built and have added interactive elements to their exhibitions with these people in mind. Learn more here.
ART
A night at the theatre
This Saturday, about 60 theatres, cultural centres and art schools will participate in the countrywide Noc Divadiel (Theatre Night) event, offering about 350 individual performances, guided tours, live recordings and more. The event is part of a European one-day event simultaneously held in several countries and dedicated to performance art. The theme of this year's edition is touch and emphasizing the importance of closeness and contact. Find out more about the programme, participating towns and tickets here.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
A celebration of photography
In Bratislava, the month of November is dedicated to photography, offering almost 30 exhibitions held in various cultural institutions throughout the city as part of the Month of Photography event. The central theme of the current 34th edition is the protection of the biodiversity, while some of the works are focusing on mental health as well. Some of the exhibitions are held outside to reach out to as many people as possible. The event takes places until the end of the month. Find out more here. Also, here are tips for five must-see exhibitions from the event.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Open wine cellars
A must for wine lovers, the 24th edition of the biggest wine-making event on the Little Carpathians Wine Route once again opens more than 120 cellars located on this famous path winding from Bratislava to Trnava. The event takes place on November 15-16. The admission is €50 and includes a wine tasting cup, a map, a €25 wine voucher as well a little surprise. Find out more here.
Wine in a cellar. (source: SME - Jozef Jakubčo)
A square in a new light
Beginning on Friday evening and lasting until November 24, a special interactive light installation will be placed in the Mierové Námestie square in Trenčín, western Slovakia. Called Skúška Svetiel (Light Test), the installation was created by Czech artist Lukáš Dřevjaný who works with screens, moving lights, and lasers to create intense sensory experiences. Visitors will be able to directly influence the installation by their movement. It will be open daily from 08:00 until 22:00.
Where to go ice-skating
Public ice-skating is in full swing once again, with more and more towns opening rinks for everyone to enjoy this activity, usually on the weekends. Here is a where you go ice-skating: Bánovce nad Bebravou, Košice, Poprad, Trenčín, Levoča, Nitra, Banská Bystrica, Prešov.
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
November 15: A night sky observation at the Astronomical Institute in Stará Lesná
November 16: A family friendly hike to a new shelter at Kráľova Studňa near Košice
November 16-17: The country-wide exhibition of animals in Nitra
November 17-February 5: The Cesta za Slobodou (The Path to Freedom) exbihition dedicated to events that happened during the Velvet Revolution in Trnava
November 23: The Chute Malých Karpát (The Tastes of the Little Carpathians) wine festival in Bratislava Region
November 23-24: The Hratislava board game weekend in Bratislava
November 24: Best Film Soundtracks with Candlelight in Košice
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Get ready for Christmas and listen to a chamber music concert.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: 'Gently and revolutionarily' take part in folklore dances, cheer for ice-hockey and basketball players, don't miss the winter edition of the Uprising festival.
WHAT TO LISTEN TO: Kvet Nguyen, a Slovak artist and writer of Vietnamese descent, captures the beauty and complexity of living between cultures in her work and storytelling.
WHAT TO READ: Tradition will never disappear as long as there are generations to share it.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: Slovak footwear brand supports successful attempt to break world barefoot walking record in the US.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
