The latest culture tips from around Slovakia.
Disaster Seen Through the Eyes of Artists of Different Generations
What role do artists play in a hyper-visual, high-tech era marked by crises? The exhibition titled POHROMA (DISASTER): Basic Safety Measures in Ruins seeks to answer this question through the works of 45 artists spanning multiple generations. Opening on Friday, August 22, in Bratislava, the exhibition explores the various "Safety Measures" in contemporary everyday life. Running until mid-September, the event will also feature a series of accompanying activities, including several concerts by musicians such as Duplex Komplex, Mishino, and Ničiteľ.
Mila Haugová: In the Gardens
In the Gardens is a collaborative project bringing together internationally acclaimed Slovak poet Mila Haugová and jazz musicians Robert Pospiš and Martin Sillay. Since the beginning of August, the trio has been touring Slovakia, presenting their joint performance Srna pozerajúca na Polárku (The Doe Gazing at Polaris). The project combines live music with discussions about poems, love, relationships, and personal encounters with Mila Haugová. The remaining performances will take place in unconventional venues with limited seating: on Sunday, August 24, in Banská Bystrica, Monday, August 25, in Banská Štiavnica, and Thursday, September 4, in Bratislava, September 5, in Levice.
Traditional Culture Across Slovakia
For those eager to explore Slovakia's local arts, crafts, music, fashion, and cuisine, several folklore and cultural events are held throughout the country:
Bardejov
A UNESCO World Heritage site in northeastern Slovakia, Bardejov hosts several major cultural events at the end of August. On Sunday, August 24, the Bardejov Folklore Festival kicks off at the city’s Monastery Park. This event will showcase authentic traditions, with performances by folk ensembles from various Bardejov villages, as well as the Bardfa traditional dance trio, the Róbert Harčar Band, and the internationally recognized Raslavičan folklore group. The festival will conclude with a concert by the band Muzička from Bratislava. The event, supported by state-run organizations, also includes arts and crafts workshops, fairs, and activities for children.
On Wednesday, August 27, Bardejov’s Choristers will gather choir enthusiasts for a meeting led by Viliam Gurbaľ, a choir master with 30 years of experience. The event is open to all, including singers, conductors, music teachers, and the general public.
Additionally, the UNESCO-protected Renaissance town square will host the Bardejov Market Fair starting on August 28. This event will feature local products for sale, traditional music, and performances from international artists. The BARDROCK festival will also take place, offering something for fans of non-traditional culture.
Zbojská
The summer season in Slovakia marks the start of market fairs, and on August 30, Valaský Redig will take place in Zbojská Pass, located in the Muránska Plateau National Park in central Slovakia. This cultural event is dedicated to reviving and celebrating the centuries-old traditions of Carpathian shepherding, which revolves around sheep herding and pastoral craftsmanship.
Krásno nad Kysucou
The northern Slovak town of Krásno nad Kysucou, near the Czech and Polish borders, will celebrate the 700th anniversary of its first written mention with a three-day festival. Kicking off on August 29, the festival will include a hike through remote settlements known as osady, as well as a night competition for volunteer firefighters. The festivities will also feature major local cultural events and concerts by popular Slovak bands like Heľenine oči.
