Fašiangy in Limbach. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
See the first Slovak car
Locals used to call it Drndička because of the distinct rumble made by the vehicle's wooden wheels. Now, a metal replica of the first car made in Slovakia has been unveiled in the village of Hronský Beňadik, Banská Bystrica Region.
It is said that the car originated from a chance meeting between Majer and Ferdinand I, the then tsar of Bulgaria, when the latter's car broke down. Majer helped him fix the car and in exchange the tsar later gave him the wheels, steering wheel and car design documents. Based on those, the Slovak craftsman designed his own vehicle from scratch in his workshop.
Around a century later, the replica made by an artistic blacksmith now shows this part of Slovakia's history.
TIP: High Tatras are not only for skiers in the winter. Enjoy the beauties of winter tourism or how to hike from one mountain hut to another one.
The Zamkovského Chata mountain hut. (source: Jana Liptáková)
TIP: Adrenaline event being prepared in Chopok, its organisers promising spectacular entertainment.
SPORT
Cross-country skiing at Štrbské Pleso
Are you a fan of cross-country skiing? Don't miss the 10th edition of the popular public race held in the Štrbské Pleso resort in the High Tatras. Two professional tracks will be ready for participants, with a special one for children. Even if you do not want to take part in the event, you can still come and cheer on those who do. For more information and registration, click here.
ART
The best TV series and movies of 2023
Do you think you have seen the best the film and television industry had to offer last year? Then this event in Banská Štiavnica, central Slovakia, will be up your alley. Film critic and Kinema.sk editor-in-chief Peter Konečný is going to once again showcase the very best audiovisual pieces and point you in the right direction so that you will not waste your precious time. Grab your notebook so that you do miss anything during the almost three-hour event. Get your tickets here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Owls in the night
If you missed the night search for owls last week, do not fret. This coming weekend you will have another opportunity. This time the event will take place at the Čertova Pec (Devil's Kiln) rest stop near the town of Piešťany, western Slovakia. All you need to take is a torch and warm clothes. The event is suitable for children aged 8 and over. For more information, click here.
An owl during one of the guided night tours. (source: TASR)
A ball of the past
This Saturday, the Ján Palárik Theatre in Trnava will hold a special ball dedicated to royal courts, allowing attendees to become kings and queens for one evening. The event is for anyone who wants to don the most lavish gowns and experience elegance and nobility. For more information, click here.
A club for fantasy aficionados
Fans of fantasy literature face one problem: there is almost never enough people around to talk about the experience of their voracious reading. If you are of the same opinion, the Regional Library in Žilina holds a club just for you. Meetings are every other Friday, and the first meeting of this month will be on February 9, followed by February 23. For more information, click here.
Carnivals in full swing
In Slovakia, the time between January 6 and the beginning of Lent is called Fašiangy (carnival), when people to walk in processions in masks and costumes. This weekend, several events observing this tradition will be held in Slovak towns, including popular Trnafské Fašangi in Trnava, western Slovakia, allowing children to make their own masks in workshops. While waiting for the procession later in the day, you can taste traditional snacks. Similar events will take place in Bratislava, Nitra, Žilina, Zvolen and many more towns and villages. Click on individual towns to learn more.
Carnival in Piešťany (source: TASR)
RELATED: Read our story on the Fašiangy carnivals in Slovakia.
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 16 - Night sky watching with astronomers in Devín castle.
February 18, 25 - Music concerts in the Tatra Ice Cathedral.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Weather should be nice on Saturday, so why not enjoy a hike through the Malé Karpaty mountains?
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: The legendary world of hobbits comes to life with a music concert, a cheeky comedy in cinemas, and the Ball of Roses. If you want to see more, have a look at this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO LEARN: The first step to becoming an urban centre? Move the cattle market outside of town.
WHAT TO TRY: Balans bistro, Bratislava: "Clever recipes which left me feeling properly fed" (restaurant review)
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
