The guard tower near the town of Krupina that was used to warn locals of an Ottoman attack. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Hike two popular mountain huts
Despite the warm weather in Slovakia, there is still snow in the High Tatras. If you need to get that winter fix, we've got two new travel guides that will set you on two several hour-long hikes to mountain huts - Zbojnícka Chata and Téryho Chata, perfect for a weekend. On your way you will come across beautiful waterfalls and valleys surrounded on both sides by towering peaks. Find out more here and here.
The Žltá Stena (front) and Prostredný Hrot (back) peaks near the Téryho Chata mountain hut. (source: Matúš Beňo)
DRINK
Taste interesting beers
This weekend, the Košice Pivo Fest is back with the 10th edition, promising to bring more than 50 beers that have yet to be served in Košice, and in some cases even in the entirety of Slovakia. In other words, a very good place to be when you are a beer lover. Beer makers from six countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and of course Slovakia will be present as well. Admission is free. Find out more here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Send signals The Lord of the Rings style
In the past, castles and towers near the River Hron in central Slovakia served an important function during Ottoman raids. They used fire to send light signals and warn against incoming attacks. Three years ago, a group of people who develop the so-called Pohronská Hradná Cesta (The Hron Castle Road) wanted to see whether at least some castles could still be reached visually. This Friday at 18:00, the fourth edition of a growing event will take place in several castles along the road. People can meet in Banská Bystrica, Krupina, Podhorie, Teplica and other places and go together to castles and towers. Find out more about where to meet here, and click here to learn more about the history of the road.
Revište Castle is one of the places were light signal will be received and sent. (source: TASR)
Discover the universe
Around the time winter is ending around equinox, Observatory and Planetarium Day takes place in Slovakia. This year the biggest coordinated set of events popularising astronomy will take place this weekend. Astronomy institutions all over the country invite people to learn more about our place in the universe, with this year's edition focusing on humanity's return to the Moon. Visitors will discover the details of astronomy programmes, engage in practical activities, and peek behind space research. If favourable weather allows, in many places people will get the opportunity to observe the sky using astronomical equipment. Find out more about participating facilities and programmes here.
Learn more about butterflies
This weekend will present you the last opportunity to attend the exhibition dedicated to the work of a renowned German entomologist Adalbert Seitz, called the Great Butterflies of the World. For the first time, the Tihányi Manor House in Banská Bystrica is showcasing the entire volume of Seitz's work, featuring 12,896 large-format pages full of information regarding butterflies, as well as approximately 98,000 depictions of butterflies in their life size. Learn more here.
Part of the exhibition is dedicated to preserved butterflies. (source: TASR)
Taking out Morena
In recent years a tradition has been revived in Slovakia. Morena, an effigy depicting Death stuffed with straw and dressed in female clothes, is taken out of the village or town and thrown into the water (being lit and burnt before, in some places), symbolizing that winter is coming to an end. Villagers then return home running so that the Death cannot catch them, bringing with them the symbol of spring in the form of willow or birch branches. This weekend, events related to the tradition will take place in towns and villages across Slovakia, including Senica, Vráble, Šaľa, and Bátovce.
The burning of Morena, an effigy stuffed with straw dressed in female clothes, is being burned symbolizing that winter shall come to an end. (source: TASR)
SPORT
Ice-skating marathon
On Friday evening and lasting a whole day, the Trnava Marathon in ice-skating will take place in the town's ice arena. If you want to participate but don't have skates, don't fret, you will be able to rent them. Admission is €1 and with it you'll get some tea and a snack. For more information, click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 22-24: The AnimeShow international popculture festival in Bratislava
March 23: The RedBull Jump & Freeze challenge
March 31: The last concert in the Tatra Ice Dome at Hrebienok resort
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Observe the objects in the sky, attend a one-day historical festival for families and lovers of the Middle Ages.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Create linocuts at a workshop, go to electronic parties, or attend a classical music concert.
WHAT TO LEARN: Try this year's English Maturita exam.
WHAT TO TRY: Chernomorka is a Ukrainian restaurant chain that has become a legend in Ukraine. Recently, a branch opened in Bratislava.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
