Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
Last refreshed: 06/06/2026 21:36 · 34 articles added
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Culture

Renowned Feminist Artist Dies at Age 85

A prominent feminist artist has died at the age of 85, according to Slovak media reports. The artist gained early recognition for her provocative public performances involving partial nudity in public spaces, which challenged societal attitudes toward women's bodies and women's place in society. Her work was part of the broader feminist art movement that sought to confront traditional gender roles and social conventions through artistic expression.

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Culture

Eurovision Reveals Complete Finalist Lineup, Czech Republic Qualifies

Eurovision has announced its complete lineup of 25 finalists for this year's competition, which will include a Czech representative competing for the title. The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna, Austria. The Czech Republic successfully qualified through the semi-final rounds to secure its place among the final contestants who will compete for the Eurovision Song Contest crown.

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Culture

Slovak Poet and Translator Karol Chmel Dies at Age 72

Karol Chmel, a prominent Slovak poet and translator, has died at the age of 72. Chmel was a significant figure in Slovak literature, having published seven poetry collections throughout his career and gaining recognition both domestically and internationally for his literary work. He also worked as an editor in addition to his writing and translation activities. His funeral will be held on May 22 at the Bratislava crematorium, marking the end of a distinguished literary career that helped shape Slovakia's contemporary poetry scene.

Culture

Slovak Film Project About Writer Simone Monyová Wins International Recognition Before Premiere

A Slovak film series about writer Simone Monyová, directed by Zuzana Kirchnerová, has gained international acclaim before its official premiere. The project tells the story of a successful writer whose life ended in tragedy. The production has also sparked discussion about the ethics of adapting real-life tragedies for entertainment, raising questions about how filmmakers should approach sensitive biographical material involving actual deaths and personal suffering.

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Culture

Daily Editorial Cartoon: Government MP's Sigh

Slovak cartoonist Mikuláš Sliacky published an editorial cartoon depicting a government member of parliament sighing, commenting on current political developments through satirical illustration.

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Culture

U2 Surprises Fans During Music Video Filming in Mexico

The Irish rock band U2 surprised fans while filming a music video in Mexico City. The band has fond memories of the Mexican capital, having recorded the concert film 'PopMart: Live from Mexico City' there in December 1997 during their worldwide PopMart Tour.

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Culture

Slovak Viva Musica! Festival Announces International Acts Including Philip Glass Opera

Slovakia's Viva Musica! festival has unveiled additional performers for its 22nd edition, continuing its two-decade tradition of presenting classical music in unconventional formats. The lineup includes the Slovak premiere of Philip Glass's legendary opera "Einstein on the Beach" starring American singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, marking a rare staging of the influential minimalist work. Tunisian oud virtuoso Anouar Brahem will make his first concert appearance in Slovakia, while the festival will also feature projects called "Plantasia" and "Gracias a la vida," reflecting the event's diverse programming that ranges from experimental performances to South American musical traditions.

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Culture

Slovak TV presenter returns to social media after backlash over weight comments

Former Slovak television presenter Kneissl Poláková has returned to social media following a period of silence and issued a statement regarding her controversial comments about weight loss. Poláková, who previously hosted the morning show Teleráno, had faced a wave of criticism for her remarks about overweight people, prompting her temporary withdrawal from social platforms.

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Culture

Slovak Public Television Announces New Addition to Popular Afternoon Show

Slovak Television and Radio (STVR) announced a new addition to its popular afternoon program Dámsky klub (Ladies' Club). The new host is the wife of a well-known singer, marking a potential change in the show's format and presentation. Dámsky klub is one of STVR's established daytime programs that has maintained a regular audience following.

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Culture

From Queen Victoria to the World's First Female Prime Minister: Mothers Who Rewrote History

A historical examination explores how female rulers and politicians throughout history have navigated the intersection of motherhood and political power. The analysis spans from Queen Victoria's reign to the emergence of the world's first female prime minister, highlighting how these women used their maternal roles as instruments of political influence. The review examines how motherhood served not only as a personal experience but as a strategic tool for advancing political agendas and reshaping historical narratives.

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Culture

Slovak Animated Film Draws Inspiration from 1930s Detective Stories

A new Slovak animated action film has been released, drawing creative inspiration from detective stories of the 1930s. The dark detective-themed animation recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, offering audiences a unique cinematic experience rooted in the noir tradition of that era.

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Culture

Slovak Let's Dance Judge Laura Arcolinová Wins Professional Latin Championship in Blackpool

Laura Arcolinová, a judge on Slovakia's popular television dance competition Let's Dance, won the Professional Latin championship at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival alongside her husband. The victory represents a significant achievement in competitive ballroom dancing, as Blackpool is considered one of the most important international dance competitions in the world. Arcolinová's success brings international recognition to Slovak dance talent and adds to her credentials as both a competitor and television personality in the dance world.

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Culture

Cultural Activists Keep Arts Alive in Slovak Rural Villages

A group of cultural enthusiasts traveled from Modra to the small village of Bátovce to visit the Pôtoň theater, discovering a vibrant cultural scene in an unlikely location. The village of 1,000 residents houses a well-appointed cultural center with a digitized cinema and beautiful gardens, maintained by locals who have dedicated more than 25 years to preserving and promoting cultural activities in rural Slovakia. The visit highlights the efforts of community activists working to sustain arts and culture in Slovakia's smaller communities, demonstrating how dedicated individuals can create thriving cultural spaces even in remote areas where such amenities might be unexpected.

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Culture

Popular TV Series 'The Bear' Concludes, Resonating with Viewers' Real-Life Workplace Chaos

The television series 'The Bear,' which followed the chaotic operations of a restaurant kitchen, has come to an end after deeply connecting with audiences who recognized their own workplace struggles in the show's portrayal. The series, which was never purely about gastronomy, struck a chord with viewers by depicting the stress, dysfunction, and interpersonal dynamics that many experience in their daily professional lives. The show's realistic depiction of workplace chaos and pressure made it particularly relatable to audiences who saw uncomfortable parallels to their own career experiences.

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Culture

Norwegian Explorer Thor Heyerdahl's Controversial Legacy Examined Through Oslo Museum

A museum in Oslo commemorates Thor Heyerdahl (1914-2002), the Norwegian experimental archaeologist and adventurer who conducted some of history's most daring maritime expeditions, including his legendary Kon-Tiki voyage on a wooden raft across the Pacific Ocean. The museum entrance features Heyerdahl's quote: "Borders? I have never seen one, but I have heard they exist in the minds of some people." Despite his reputation for courage and determination in undertaking multiple adventurous sea expeditions, Heyerdahl's legacy remains complex due to his controversial theories about racial superiority, including references to a superior "white race," which have since been scientifically disproven. The explorer remains a legendary figure in Norway for his bold expeditions, even as modern scholarship has rejected his anthropological theories.

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Culture

Slovak Cartoonist Publishes Daily Political Cartoon Series

Slovak artist Rosie Naive Art has created a political cartoon titled 'Pro-Russian Fairy Tale' as part of a daily cartoon series. The cartoon appears to comment on contemporary political themes, reflecting the ongoing public discourse around Slovakia's foreign policy orientation and domestic political debates.

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Culture

Underground Cultural Heritage Center Opens in Trnava's House of Music

A new cultural heritage center celebrating the regional traditions of western Slovakia has opened in the basement of the House of Music in Trnava. The project, with a total budget exceeding 316,000 euros, received nearly 285,000 euros in funding from the Tourism Support Fund. The underground space will showcase the cultural heritage of the Trnava region, supporting both local cultural preservation and tourism development in the historic city located about 50 kilometers northeast of Bratislava.

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Culture

Cultural Fund Cuts Folklore Festival Subsidies by Nearly Half, Arts Group Claims

The Arts Support Fund has reduced subsidies for folklore festivals by nearly half, according to the Open Culture advocacy group. The group raised concerns about the significant funding cuts to traditional cultural events. The Arts Support Fund, which provides government funding for cultural activities in Slovakia, has not yet responded to the allegations about the reduction in support for folklore festivals that celebrate Slovakia's traditional music, dance, and customs.

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Culture

Ponitrie Museum to Present Works by Katarína Borguľová

The Ponitrie Museum will host an exhibition titled "Living Landscape" showcasing the work of artist Katarína Borguľová. The exhibition will feature the artist's long-term focus on landscape phenomena and its continuous transformations, according to organizers.

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Culture

French Film Festival 'Crème de la Crème' Returns to Slovakia for 11th Edition

Slovakia's premier French film festival, Crème de la Crème, will return for its 11th edition from May 27 to June 3, 2026. Organized by distribution company Film Europe, the festival will screen a selection of contemporary and classic French cinema across 47 theaters in 37 Slovak cities. The event promises to bring the atmosphere of Parisian streets and exceptional French storytelling to Slovak audiences, featuring visits from prominent French actors and filmmakers. The festival has established itself as a major cultural event celebrating French cinematography in Slovakia, offering viewers access to both current releases and timeless classics from France's rich film tradition.

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