On 4th August Slovakia commemorates the Day of Matica Slovenska, one of its first all-nation cultural institutions. On this day 153 years ago, a general assembly of some 5,000 Slovak patriots took place in Turčiansky Sväty Martin, founding Matica Slovenska. Back then, Slovakia was still part of the Kingdom of Hungary, therefore Matica played a crucial role in forming the national identity of Slovaks. This year the national celebrations of Matica Slovenska took place last weekend for the first time in the southern Slovak town of Komarno.
Mojmir Prochazka, Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Szeder László
