THE SPA town of Piešťany officially opened its “Bridge of the Enamoured” on Valentine’s Day, February 14, where lovers are encouraged to attach small locks to the footbridge.
The first couples to perform the ritual were Slovak actress Zuzana Haasová and her boyfriend, actress Elena Podzámska and her partner Matej Chren, and dancer and fitness instructor Nikol Weiterová and her boyfriend, the TASR newswire wrote, citing information provided by Piešťany mayor Remo Cicutto.
“We are happy we managed to make this project in our town and that all those in love could come here to lock their love, beginning on Valentine’s Day,” stated the mayor, as quoted by TASR.
Couples were able to bring their own lock and paint or write something on it and then attach it to the bridge, the SITA newswire wrote.
The Azet internet portal, which operates a social network and dating service called Pokec, came up with the idea.
SITA wrote that the idea of a bridge for lovers originated in China, where the tradition of locking two hearts together has a long tradition. Such bridges are now very popular in many parts of Europe.