Illustrative image. (source: Adobe)
EASTER
The ins and outs of Easter cuisine
Canadian Naomi Hužovičová was at first indignant when she learnt about the Slovak tradition of pouring water on girls and whipping them. However, that still didn't dissuade her from liking Slovakia's Easter cuisine. Listen to this Easter-themed podcast from April 2019 featuring Naomi to learn what "Lost Chicken" and "Lick a Finger" are and maybe find your new favourite Easter recipe.
Easter of the past
The folk Museum of Orava Village in Zuberec, northern Slovakia, has prepared a special event for Easter, the goal of which is to show what traditions used to look like in the past. Between April 18-21, craftsmen will show visitors how whips, candles and decorated eggs called kraslice were made, as well as various tinkering and carving techniques. There will be a special folk programme on Sunday as well. Click here to learn more.
The Musuem of Orava village. (source: TASR)
Easter at castles
Does spending the holiday in a city sounds too "traditional"? If that is the case, why not head to one of several castles in the country for a special Easter programme? In addition to guided tours, you can look forward to rich accompanying programme, including painting decorated eggs, crafts, animals and egg hunts. Among the sites are the picturesque Smolenice Castle, Beckov Castle and Čachtice Castle.
More Easter reading
Five foreigners living in Slovakia share their opinions concerning the Easter traditions.
Traditional Slovak Easter customs can be difficult to understand. Here is a primer on them and a suggestion or two as to what to do instead.
Memories of a meditative Easter in Bratislava by former Fulbright scholar and author Andrew Giarelli.
Since that crash course in Slovak traditions, Emily Heinz Vargic has became much more familiar with how the holiday is celebrated.
Traditionally decorated Easter eggs in a basket. (source: Ján Krošlák, Sme)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Vintage cars
A bit unusual way to spend Easter can be had at the Slovakia Ring racing circuit in the Dunajská Streda district, south-western Slovakia. On Saturday, the circuit will play host to the first race of the GT Historic Cup, a championship featuring vintage sports cars of which more than 100 are expected to show. Admission is free, find out more here.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
Another blast from the past
If you would like to ride the nostalgia wave, Trenčín Castle is the place to be. A new exhibition dedicated to historic toys and strollers has been opened and will last until November. The exhibition is comprised of three collections: 49 strollers from years 1880 to 1980; a selection of iconic toys made by Czech designer Libuše Niklová who is well-known for her rubber figurines, accordion animals, and inflatable toys; and a collection of board games, toys and dolls from the second half the 20th century. Find out more here.
The science of spring
Taking place on Saturday, a workshop designed for children will show them the ins and outs of spring from the perspective of science, including how water brings life, why ice melts, and many other things. The event will take place in the Steelpark venue in Košice, admission is €8. Learn more here, tickets can be grabbed here.
Blooming Japanese cherry in Nitra. (source: TASR)
A Medieval market
Over the weekend, Bratislava Castle will play host to a market of times long gone. A visitor will be able to see how people in the Middle Ages lived, worked and what they ate. Food and drinks will be prepared according to historical recipes, and the work of scribes, falconers, potters, illuminators and minters showcased. You can also look forward to seeing period costumes, Easter-themed products, whip knitting and much more. Admission is free, find out more here.
Concert in an ice temple
The final concert in the Tatra Ice Cathedral in the Hrebienok resort in the High Tatras will take place this Sunday at 15:00, with the Chorus Comenianus choir performing its repertoire. The choir was established in Košice in 1996. At the beginning it had 15 members, but since then has grown to around 100 members. This will also be the final opportunity to have a look at the cathedral itself as it will close after the weekend.
This season, the Tatra Ice Dome is dedicated to the memory of Pope John Paul II, who visited the Tatras 30 years ago. (source: TASR/Veronika Mihaliková)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
April 19: A SWAP event in Trnava
April 24-26: The Sharpe music festival & conference in Bratislava
April 25-27: SlavCon 2025 fantasy, sci-fi and history festival in Bratislava
April 26: The Trolleybus day in the Hroboňova Depot in Bratislava
April 26-27: The Bratislava City Days event
April 26-27: The Hobby and Gardens festival in Bratislava
May 3: The United Colours of Football tournament in Bratislava
May 10: The Dobrý Trh market in Bratislava
May 18: The Spring vegan festival in Bratislava
May 29-June 1: The BRaK book festival in Bratislava
June 6-7: The Bratislava Collector Days
June 6-8: The Weekend of Open Parks and Gardens
Until June 1: The Trnavská Hudobná Jar classical music festival in Trnava
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Soak up choral music, unwind to Brazilian jazz, or stretch your legs on a hike.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Search for Ľudovít at Devín Castle, feel the spirit of Spain at Slovak Philharmonic or travel in time at the centre of Bratislava.
WHAT TO THINK ABOUT: "Return not," the ocean cried. But I returned for her. A granddaughter recounts her pilgrimage to Slovakia, fuelled by stories, slivovica and a love that never faded.
WHAT TO READ: The Slovak singer who wants to help Czechia achieve its best result in Eurovision. Adam Pavlovčin talks about preparation, putting experience into songwriting, and representation of minorities.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A new cycle path will link Bratislava with Devín – and it will finally be safe to ride. The new 4.5km route promises scenic views, smoother rides and no traffic stress.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: Slovakia's latest basketball star is destined for great things in the US.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
