Illustratory image. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Enjoy parks and gardens with your senses
Parks and gardens are an inseparable part of our daily lives, allowing us to enjoy the beauty of nature, scents, and more. This weekend, the popular Weekend of Open Parks and Gardens international festival is back in Slovakia. More than 100 places across the country including historic cemeteries, arboretums, squares, farms and more will open to visitors between May 31 and June 2, even those that would be otherwise closed. The theme of this year's 16th edition is Five Senses in the Garden. Read more about the event here and find detailed information here. Admission to most parks and garden is free.
Meet Roman soldiers, Turkish archers, knights
Devín Castle, one of the most important monuments in the country, will play host to another edition of the popular event Rytieri na Devíne (Knights at Devín Castle) on Saturday, allowing visitors to witness recreations of battles, tournaments, period dances and songs, among other things. Since this edition will take place on Children's Day, there will be a special section dedicated to them. Get your tickets here.
TIP: Devín castle recalls the sad history of the Iron Curtain or how the communist regime valued its citizens.
Bratislava's Devín district. (source: SME - Marko Erd)
A day for children
June 1 is inextricably linked with Children's Day. To celebrate the occasion, towns and municipalities across Slovakia hold dedicated events for children. It would be impossible to list them all, but here is a selection. The observatory and planetarium in Prešov invites 'children aged 4 to 99' to learn about astronomy; the railway station in Martin will become home for model railway trains; the indoor climbing centre in Trenčín will teach children how to climb artificial walls for free; the firefighters in Pezinok will showcase their work; and the town of Senica will hold an aviation day. If you need more tips, check out this link.
Revitalisation of a Nitra park
The Sihoť City Park in Nitra has been around for 150 years. Recently it was revitalised as intervention was necessary to assure its continued function. The city will open it on Saturday, inviting residents into the green heart of Nitra. A rich programme has been prepared for the occasion, including a yoga session, a course on how to feed animals in the park, how to play chess, how to survive in nature, concerts and more. Find out more here.
The revitalised Sihoť park in Nitra. (source: TASR)
Breakfast to wind down
In 1906, a diesel power plant called Elektrárňa Piešťany was built in Piešťany, western Slovakia. Legend has it that every citizen of the town had their own brick in it. More than 100 years later, the building was revitalised and made available for public use. On Saturday, the 2nd edition of a special event will take place in the industrial monument. The Raňajky v Elektrárni community breakfast will offer a unique way to start the first day of June, together with craft coffee, yoga, morning exercise, massages, make-up workshop and a DJ set. Learn more here.
TRAVEL
Visit a historic castle
In the past, the Hrušov castle in the Tríbeč mountain range in Nitra Region guarded a nearby trade route. Although it often changed hands, it was eventually left to disarray. Now volunteers take care of it, doing their best to preserve the castle walls, towers and bastions. On Saturday, the Nitra Tourist Board will hold special guided tours through the castle. Learn more here.
The Hrušov castle near the village of Skýcov, Zlaté Moravce district. (source: TASR)
Guided tours through Košice
Intended for both domestic and foreign tourists alike, a regular guided tour of Košice city centre, including its top 10 attractions, is starting. The tours last 90 minutes and take place every Friday at 17:00 from May 17 to October 4; they are also available in English. Tickets can be bought either online here or in person at the Regional Information Point.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 8: the Stredovek v Sade medieval festival
June 8: The Banská Bystrica evening marathon
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Enjoy a concert in a park or attend a feminism and gender equality discussion.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Enjoy a book festival until Sunday, listen to organ music, or cheer for Slovak women in the European volleyball league in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO LEARN: Slovak Matters: When I'm mimo.
WHAT TO READ: It has repeatedly failed and spread propaganda. Is Matica Slovenská, a national heritage body, relevant today?
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: A famous Hollywood star was spotted in unique Slovak-made sneakers.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
