On Friday, the National Cyril and Methodius pilgrimage will open the celebrations of the 1150th anniversary of the arrival of St. Cyril and Methodius to Great Moravia, where also present-day Slovakia lies. The papal legate Franc Rodé will officiate a mass on Svatopluk square in Nitra, attended by President Ivan Gašparovič as well as prominent guests from abroad and religious dignitaries. The mass will start off a whole set of events celebrating the 1150th anniversary of the arrival of Cyril and Methodius.
A new commemorative €2 coin and a Slovak postage stamp issued on this occasion will also be presented. A parade performed in period costumes, street musicians, craftsmen’s markets and also a big competition for the Svatopluk sword await visitors to Nitra. More than 130 performers are said to participate on this opening. There will be free of charge entrance to several palaces and museums. In the evening the Slovak Philharmonic will premier an oratorio according to the epos of Jan Holly – about Cyril and Methodius. And a large audio-visual and theatre show called The Grand Moravia Clock will be performed in the evening. Saturday and Sunday will be eventful as well, as many archaeological exhibitions will open and concerts and theatre performances will be held in Nitra. The town expects these celebrations to cost approximately €100,000; part of which was donated by the state.
