Wine in a cellar. (source: SME - Jozef Jakubčo)
ART
Legendary festival is back
The Bratislava Jazz Days festival returns this weekend, bringing genre stars to the Slovak capital, including singer and pianist Reuben James, saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, trumpeter Theo Croker, and bands like The Comet Is Coming. The event will take place in the Studio A4 venue between October 20-22. For more information including programme, tickets and more, click here (in English).
Last year's Bratislava Jazz Days. (source: TASR)
What is augmented humanity?
The current development in tech allows for new ways to express our humanity. Is it a new evolutionary form of human-ness, or just a cutting-edge piece of technology? This is one of the questions that a new exhibition opening on October 20 in Košice's Kunsthalle venue puts forth, while focusing on the unique features of humans and machines and the combination of the two. For more information, click here (in Slovak).
TIP: Slovakia's operatic elegance: A glimpse into the lives of opera singers.
TRAVEL
Traditional autumn fair
Between October 19-22, the town of Levice, Nitra Region, will host a traditional fair. In addition to having the opportunity to buy handmade products, the event comes with a rich programme that includes a lot of concerts. The local wine company Víno Levice will also open its cellars, allowing visitors to get a taste of local production. For more information, click here (in Slovak).
TIP: Rare Slovak Paradise locality with monastery being restored.
SPORT
Women's floorball team needs your cheering
Over the weekend, the Six Nations Floorball Challenge will take place in Banská Bystrica, central Slovakia. This tournament will test the skills of the Slovak Women's floorball team ahead of the December world championship in Singapore. The team says they want to win the event but to do so they must beat five of the top 10 European national teams - Latvia, Germany, Poland, Norway and Denmark. Tickets will be available on site. For more information, click here (in Slovak).
(source: TASR)
FOOD & DRINKS
Get a taste of local wines
On Saturday, October 21, two wine-related events will take place in western Slovakia. In the village of Limbach, Pezinok district, 17 cellars and wineries will open to the public, allowing visitors to get a taste of more than 150 wines from the renowned local wine producing area. For map and wine pass, click here (in Slovak). The pass also serves as a bonus to buy a bottle of wine.
During the Day of Wine Cellars in the town of Trnava, 54 wine makers from both Slovakia and Czech Republic will showcase the best wine they have to offer. For more information, click here (in Slovak).
People listen to the lecturer in costume talking about wine in the city of Trnava in one of the city's cellars (source: regiontirnavia.sk)
TIP: Bistro named after world-famous writer opens in Košice, offers halušky with catfish.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Pimp up your pumpkin
Pumpkin related activities continue this week with one event in Bratislava's Devín borough. Taking place between 16:00 and 18:00 PM on Saturday, October 21, you are welcome to join in on carving pumpkins, followed by a procession. All you need to bring is a few tools for carvings, everything else will be available at the local Dom Kultúry (Culture House) located right next to the Cyril a Metod bus stop (line 29) in the direction of Bratislava.
Are you afraid of the dark?
What could be more Halloweeny than a night walk through a forest where owls call? This Friday, October 20, a guided tour will take you from Bratislava's Devínska Nová Ves borough to the lookout on the Devínska Kobyla hill from which the capital's night skyline is visible. In addition to owls, you will see other animals as well. You need to register for the walk and there is a fee. The event is not suitable for small children. For more information, click here (in Slovak).
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 28-29: The popular Strašidlá na Smolenickom Zámku (Ghosts at Smolenice Castle) event will take place.
November 4: Concert of the band Billy Barman at the Zbojnícka Chata mountain hut in the High Tatras. Number of tickets is limited, contact the hut at zbojnickehochata@gmail.com.
November 6-12:Science and Technology Week will feature dozens of events all over Slovakia.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Are you a budding film-maker? Festival of student's films Áčko not only screens films, but gives opportunity to establish contacts.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: If you need some new autumn wardrobe, there is a swap on Saturday, then you can go to Oktoberfest, and in the evening have fun at a bashavel.
WHAT TO LEARN: Sometimes we overlook what seems ordinary, but that is what soon disappears.
WHAT TO COOK: Fermented foods are the new old superfood, which Slovaks have made and eaten all along. Here's how to make sauerkraut.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a restful weekend!
