Budatín Castle will host the Dragon Days fairy-tale festival. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Discover Smolenice
Although most people visit the village of Smolenice near Trnava, western Slovakia, mostly because of the picturesque castle (or maybe because they want to hike Záruby, the highest hill of the Little Carpathians mountain range), there are still plenty of other architectural landmarks to see. If you want, this Saturday you can take part in a guided tour that will show you a prehistoric settlement, the castle and more. The tour starts at 10:30 right after a train from Trnava arrives. For more information, click here.
The road to Smolenice Castle. (source: TASR)
TIP: Smolenice, one of the prettiest places in the Little Carpathians.
Night at a castle
This weekend you will have the first opportunity to take part in a special night-guided tour through Trenčín Castle this summer. Not only you will see the castle itself, you will also become part of an interactive theatrical performance inspired by Lewis Caroll's Alice in Wonderland. Be sure to book your tickets in advance as the number is limited. If this weekend doesn't work for you, then mark August 16-17 on your calendar as this is the second time night tours are going to be held.
Come watch bustards and falcons
Just a few kilometres from Bratislava is an inconspicuous wilderness. The Protected Bird Area (CHVÚ) Sysľovské Polia near Rusovce, a village on the south bank of the Danube is once again open for another season. In July, a trail leading to a nearby monument is open, and in August another section leading to the nearby Austrian village of Deutsch Jahrndorf. In addition, the municipality has opened an extensive meadow in front of the protected area, thus greatly expanding the area designed to spend time outdoor. The trail is open until the end of September. Learn more here.
FILM
Hiking movies under night sky
On Saturday, as part of the Hory a Mesto (Mountains and City) festival, the town of Martin will screen nine short films about mountain bike trails, the High Tatras, tribes hiding in hard to access parts of the world, the Slovak Paradise national park and more. All films will be screened in the local amphitheatre, right under the night sky. Find out more here.
FOOD
Cooking and eating competition
The village of Turecká, Banská Bystrica Region, will teem with the scent of halušky, Slovakia's famous potato dumplings smothered in sheep cheese and bacon. On July 19-20, the 27th edition of the Slovak and European Championship in cooking AND eating halušky will take place, allowing you to taste the famous meal. Find out more here.
A halušky cooking and eating competition. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Listen to fujara
Slovakia can boast of several UNESCO entries, one of which is the fujara, a traditional Slovak overtone flute originally played by shepherds. This weekend, players of the instrument from all over the country will gather in the village of Korytárky, Banská Bystrica Region. The village will host the 26th exhibition of players who will show their skill and talent. As part of the cultural programme, you will be able to learn to play the instrument yourself. Find out more here.
Fashion trends of the past
The Červený Kameň castle near the village of Častá hosts two special exhibitions dedicated to period fashion trends, ranging from the gothic period to the 1940s, showing what both men and women used to wear. In total, 40 costumes are on display. As hairstyles were an inseparable part of especially women's fashion, there is also an exhibition dedicated to hair, with 36 wigs specially designed for the occasion. Both exhibitions can be visited as part of the castle tour. Find out more here and here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 19-21: SunDance electronic music festival at the Zemplínska Šírava reservoir
July 20-21:Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Budatín Castle
July 27: The international sheep shearing competition in Kamenec pod Vtáčnikom
July 27-August 1:Amateur Theatre Festival in Nitra
July 31-August 4: Jánošíkove Dni folk festival in Terchová
August 2-3: Víno pod Hviezdami wine festival
August 2-4: Atmosféra music festival
August 9-10: Grape music festival
August 9-11: Discover Poloniny event in eastern Slovakia
August 10: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Bratislava Castle
August 16-18: Lovestream music festival
August 30-31: Uprising music festival
August 31: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča CastleAugust 31: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča CastleAugust 31: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča Castle
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Meet brave swordsmen, both male and female fighters and musketeers in the shadow of the Old Town Hall in the capital.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Enjoy a DJ playing their set at sunset at an old castle, have fun watching a lively juggling performance and more in this week's Top 10 events for foreigners.
WHAT TO LEARN: Prayers in the 17th century pleaded for safety from the very soldiers meant to protect them.
WHAT TO READ: An archaeological park reveals the friendlier side of Roman-Germanic relations.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: Ornithologists swoon as great bustard chick is spotted near Bratislava.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
