A panoramic early March view of Nitra and vineyards up from the Pyramída hill, which is wrongly considered the highest point of the peak Zobor. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Explore the hills around Nitra
Nicknamed the Bermuda Triangle of Slovakia, the Tribeč mountain range is infamous for strange disappearances over the last two centuries, with people gone missing without a trace. The bestseller book Trhlina (The Rift) and movie of the same name tell one such fictionalised story. Or not? Anyway, on this particular Saturday you will get two opportunities to explore Zoborské Vrchy, a part of the mountain range located above the town of Nitra, as two organised trips will take you across the hills. One will set off in the morning, the other late in the evening with the goal of observing the full moon and grilling over an open fire. Will you dare? For more information where to meet and the trails, click here and here.
Blast from the past
The historic Tatra trams are back for the summer season. This weekend will give you the opportunity to hitch a ride on a tram from 1969. From next weekend until September 1, an even older tram will operate on the Poprad - Starý Smokovec - Tatranská Lomnica line, one that brought tourists to the mountain range at the beginning of the 20th century. Both trams operate on weekends and public holidays. Don't miss this chance if you are in the High Tatras! Get the tickets and see the schedule here.
TIP: Many love this mountain chalet, but few know about its underground attraction.
Historic tram Trojča from 1969. (source: TASR)
ART
New Slovak music
Is it trip-hop? Or dream-pop? These are the questions people ask when the Trnava-based band Veneer publishes new music. The new album called Splint that was published last week doesn't make it any easier for anyone who would like to put the three-piece band in a box. According to band members, when it comes to sound, the new album is the most sophisticated recording they have created so far. It primarily relies on electronic music, with electronic guitar parts and singing added to the mix. You can give Splint a listen here.
Celebration of everything folk
The 64th edition of the folk celebrations are back. This year, the MYJAVA 2024 international folk festival expects 1,600 participants from 7 countries, including the Czech Republic, Croatia, India and Vietnam, showcasing folk traditions, dances, costumes and more. Although the festival started on Wednesday, the programme will fully launch on Friday evening and will last until Sunday. The theme of this edition is the ethic diversity of Slovakia. Learn more about the programme here.
A woman in traditional clothes during an older edition of the Myjava folk festival. (source: TASR)
DRINKS
Wine celebration
The wine cellars of the Hontianska Vínna Cesta wine path in central Slovakia are about to open the 4th edition of the festival on June 21-22. More than 30 cellars scattered across the region between the towns of Šahy and Krupina are ready to welcome visitors to taste their wine. Click here for more information.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Half a century of a cultural phenomenon
Dungeons & Dragons is an immensely popular tabletop role-playing game. First published in 1974, it allows players to take on the mantle of valiant heroes setting on adventures where the sky is the limit. This year's 50th anniversary is a great opportunity to celebrate the cultural phenomenon, with the Ihrysko board game store in Bratislava's Vivo shopping centre preparing a special day for the occasion. In addition to D&D, one-shot sessions will be held in various other settings including Star Wars, Call of Cthulhu and more. Find out more here, if you can pass the 1+ click check.
History in the making
On Saturday, the three venues of Stredoslovenské Múzeum (Central Slovakia Museum) will each offer an intriguing programme that allows children to get a hands-on experience of the past. Thurzov Dom will give them the opportunity to try out the first script of the Old Slavs devised by Byzantine brothers Cyril and Methodius; Matejov Dom will present them with various coats of arms and show them how to make their own; and Tihányiovský Kaštieľ will offer a space to learn how to work with clay.
Bonfires, bonfires everywhere
One of the traditions associated with summer solstice is lighting huge bonfires called Saint John's Fires on hills in order to repel evil spirits. Several municipalities across Slovakia are holding events dedicated to the occasion this weekend, including Vinosady, Ivachnová, Zborov nad Bystricou, Vinné, Nimnica, Horná Štubňa, Žabokreky and others, with more to follow next weekend. Be sure to check with your municipality to learn whether a similar event is going to be held near you.
A Saint John's Fire. (source: TASR)
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 28: The Garden Party event in the centre of Trnava
June 28: The HRAtislava board game festival in Bratislava
June 28: The Parna open-air wine partyJune 28: The Parna open-air wine party
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Join the group of foreigners this weekend in their local hike to Bratislava Lesopark.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Kickstart the Bratislava cultural summer today with a one-day night music festival.
WHAT TO LEARN: An Italian painter captured the idyllic atmosphere of Bratislava in the early 20th century.
WHAT TO READ: I cannot prepare poisonous fish in Slovakia, says Japanese chef.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: A unique clothing collection has been created for the Slovak athletes who will represent the country at this year's summer Olympics in Paris.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
