Strečno Castle (source: TASR)
TRADITIONAL crafts, historical fencing shows, theatre on stilts and local music – all these and more have been part of celebrations which showcased the unique atmosphere of seven Slovak towns in honour of World Tourism Day. September 27, the official date of WTD, was not chosen randomly: this is the day when the summer tourist season ends in the northern hemisphere and begins in the southern. This year’s motif in Slovakia celebrates the many facets of tourism. “The aim of WTD in Slovakia is mainly to support domestic tourism. Celebrations will be organised by the Slovak Tourist Board (SACR) and regional bodies,” the general manager of SACR, Svetlana Gavorová, said.
Events began on September 18 and ended on October 4 in Stupava, near Bratislava. The celebrations in Kežmarok and Prievidza on September 25 featured a small tourist train, various competitions and a balloon flight. It was celebrated as well in Fiľakovo, at the Strečno Castle and in Štós Spa on the weekend of September 26-27. The spa prepared a display of historical vehicles, a market with folk crafts and a light-and-music show. At Strečno Castle, a new book called Tastes of the Žilina Region was officially launched together with sampling of local delicacies. The highlight was the well-known Stupava Dni Zelá, the Days of Sauerkraut, on October 3 and 4.
