(source: SITA)
Zamagurie Folklore Festival
(Zamagurské folklórne slávnosti)
The Zamagurie Folklore Festival, which takes place at Červený kláštor near the magnificent Pieniny mountains, has existed for 32 years. On average, almost 800 participants mainly from Slovakia and Poland perform there every year. Beside other attractive accompanying events typical of all folklore festivals, Zamagurie offers tastings of traditional highlander meals that are enjoyed by tourists from Slovakia as well as from abroad. This year’s festival will be held from June 13 to 15. More information at (052) 772-2466.The Euro Folk Abov Folklore Festival, like others of its kind, has a long tradition and enjoys great popularity among all folk art lovers. First-rate performances by Slovak and foreign folk ensembles are accompanied by a number of attractive events and markets. Now in its 40th year, the Euro Folk Festival will be held in Rozhanovce from June 14 to 15. More information at www.osvetake.sk.Like the Východná Folklore Festival, this event is also held under the auspices of the UNESCO organisation. Every year, a market with traditional craft products charms tourists from both Slovakia and abroad. Dozens of accompanying events take place within the premises of the MY-A-VY artificial village with picturesque chalets. In the evenings, visitors can take part in folk dances. The 49th staging will be held in the town of Myjava and the village of Trnovec from June 19 to 22. For more information visit www.myjava.sk.The Folklore Festival under the Poľana Hill at Detva is known not only for its promotion of folklore songs and dances, but also for its traditional Slovak crafts. Visitors can watch skilful woodcarvers making various decorations, musical instruments, crucifixes and fujaras (long shepherd’s pipes) or admire women creating wonderful embroideries with their clever fingers. The three-day program holds many performances, exhibits and workshops. The 43th year of the Festival will be held from July 11 to 13. For more information see www.fspdetva.sk or call (045) 545-5502.The international folk festival in Terchová, named after the Slovak brigand who came from this region, presents new trends in folklore music. An amphitheatre as well as a festival tent are open to all those who admire Slovak traditions and crafts. Popular accompanying events include traditional markets, evening dances, a parade of musicians and a mass for all craftsmen in the splendid church at Terchová. The 46th staging of this event has been arranged for July 31-August 3. Further information can be found at www.janosikovedni.sk or at (041) 569-5138.The Zemplín Festival in Michalovce offers performances by folk dancers and singers who present their skills over two days. Traditional crafts markets, which take place in the center of the town, are rich in typical Slovak products and food. The ample program boasts the presence of hundreds of artists from Slovakia as well as from abroad. The 49th staging of this festival will be held from August 16 to 18. For more information call (056) 686-4111.
