People during an earlier edition of the Vietnam Day in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Discover the Myjava region
In the picturesque Myjava region of western Slovakia, where small farms are nestled among undulating hills, a deep-rooted tradition of distillation thrives. But that is not the only thing of interest; in the local hills, alongside traditional fruit orchards, are also nestled a lavender farm, beautiful mill, architectural monument, and much, much more. Find out more here.
Cyclists are frequent tourists in Myjava hills. (source: Jozef Ryník)
TIP: It's as if time stopped. Few know about unusual lake in south Slovakia.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Bratislava's royal past is back
Once again, the royal past of Bratislava will come forth and reign over the city. This weekend, the Bratislava Coronation Days will bring plenty of festivities, showing visitors and locals alike how coronations used to look like. This year's event will take place on August 16-17. A culturally rich and varied programme is poised to offer activities, workshops, live performances of artists, free tours in St. Martin's Cathedral, or special coronation-themed wine tasting. Find out more here.
The royal crown. (source: SITA/Branislav Bibel)
Historic trains
This weekend, the Children's Historic Railway in Košice, eastern Slovakia, has a reason to celebrate. One of its engines, nicknamed Katka, is 140 years old this year. For the occasion, the Dni Parnej Nostalgie (Steam Nostalgia Days) event is being held on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to experiencing a ride on a historic train, children and adults alike will be able to have a look at all engines of the historic railway and witness various activities. Find out more here.
The Children's Historic Railway in Košice. (source: TASR)
Wine under the stars
Located in the famous wine region of Tokaj, eastern Slovakia, the vineyard in the village of Ladmovce invites people to come have a picnic in its premises. Just bring a blanket, a basketful of delicacies - or you can buy some at the vineyard - and wind down in this beautiful region. If you find you're having a great time and don't want to pack up, don't fret; visitors will also be allowed to camp in the premises of the vineyards and observe the night sky. In other words, provided the weather is good, you will be able to see a sunset, full moon, and sunrise in a picturesque wine region. Admission is free, find out more here.
TIP: Fruity, tranquil, rivery: The call of Slovakia's famous wine region.
Sweet bee
On Saturday, beekeepers from the village of Dolná Krupá near Trnava, western Slovakia, will host a special event in the Medolandia experience centre, with families as the target audience. In addition to tasting delicacies made from honey such as Slovakia's renowned local mead, children can look forward to activities inspired by a host of fairy-tales. Learn more here.
FESTIVALS
Lovestream with big names
The Lovestream festival is back, once again bringing world-famous musicians to Slovakia. This year's edition is headlined by rappers 50 cent and Macklemore, singer Rita Ora, DJ Tiësto and many, many more musicians. The festival will be held in Bratislava-Vajnory from Friday to Sunday. In previous years, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dua Lipa, The Killers, Imagine Dragons headlined the festival. Get the tickets here.
Last year's edition of Lovestream. (source: TASR)
Traditions in Trnava
This weekend, the town of Trnava, western Slovakia, will host the 23rd edition of the international folklore festival Trnavská Brána (Trnava Gate). In other words, the streets will be flooded with scents of traditional delicacies such as potato noodles or podplamenník, a type of bread made from leavened dough and flavoured with cheese, onion, garlic, bacon and other ingredients; traditional crafts such as embroidery and lace will be on full display, allowing you try them out yourself; and of course, expect international ensembles and groups showcasing their dancing skills. For more information, click here.
Learn about the Vietnamese culture
Although the history of the Vietnamese community in Slovakia dates back to the 1950s, it was only recently that it was officially recognised as the 14th national minority. In the last few years, the community has held a Vietnam Day, a special event dedicated to its culture, history, and cuisine, sharing with the majority what makes them who they are. This year is no exception. Learn about the tea ceremony, find out how to travel the country, watch their dances, hear their stories. The event will take place on Sunday in Bratislava, find out more here.
TIP 1: The "little genius" confronts her Slovak-Vietnamese dilemmas through writing.
TIP 2: A bistro owner taught people in a northern-Slovak town to eat real Vietnamese food.
WHAT TO LISTEN TO
A combo of nature and electronic music
Bulp, also known as Samuel Štefanec, is a Slovak electronic music producer who blends dynamic rhythms and melodic lines while putting emphasis on atmosphere. Žitný Ostrov in south-western Slovakia is the biggest river island in Europe. Combine the two together and this is what you get. High temperatures are still expected this weekend, so if you don't want to be outside, kick back and enjoy these summer tunes.
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
August 17, 24, 31:Discover Abov region in eastern Slovakia using bike bus
August 17, 18, 24, 25, 29, 31: Historic tram in the High Tatras
August 18, 25: Trnava Pipe Organ Days
August 21-23:Dobrofest 2024 international music festival dedicated to the dobro guitar
August 22-25: Traditional fair in Bardejov
August 23-25:Kremnické Gagy humour and satire festival
August 23-25:Gran Prix Slovakia on Slovakia Ring in Orechová Potôň
August 24:International Jazz Festival in Špania Dolina
August 30-31: Uprising music festival
August 31: Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča Castle
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Join the Three peaks challenge and visit three Little Carpathians mountains.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Listen to electronic music below the castle, spend some time playing board games in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO TRY: Irin. Bratislava: "A three-hour epicurean adventure" (restaurant review)
WHAT TO LEARN: Today, corruption is considered one of the factors pushing Slovaks to leave their homeland; 135 years ago, it facilitated their widespread departure.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: Slovakia's national dish briefly goes global, thanks to an influencer – and the Olympics.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
