The historic Slovak town of Kremnica is preparing to publish its first comprehensive monograph documenting the city's history. Officials plan to complete the project by 2028 and print 2,500 copies of the historical work. Kremnica, known for its medieval gold mining heritage and centuries-old mint, has never before had a complete scholarly book dedicated to its municipal history spanning from its founding to the present day.
Bratislava will host its 13th annual book festival, BRaK, from May 27-31, 2026, returning to the city center after previous editions. The five-day literary event will take place primarily at Main Square and Franciscan Square, along with nearby venues throughout the historic district. The festival's theme "We Need to Talk..." will guide programming designed for both general audiences and literary professionals, featuring literature discussions and artistic presentations.
A travel feature highlights Naples as a spring destination, emphasizing the city's unique combination of urban energy and the dormant Mount Vesuvius volcano. The piece promotes visiting during spring when locals gather at harbors and the gardens of nearby Pompeii are in bloom, showcasing nature's resilience. The feature describes Naples as the heart of southern Italy, where coffee tastes more intense beneath Vesuvius and underground explorations reveal ancient secrets spanning millennia.
Hana Dvorská, a 66-year-old Slovak stuntwoman, continues her demanding career despite having a brain tumor, a pacemaker, and a surgically repaired knee. The veteran performer trains people three times a week starting at 6:45 AM and practices her craft about five hours daily while appearing in Czech and Hollywood films. Dvorská says she plans to retire when she turns 80, joking that she must keep working until then. She emphasizes that modern stunt work is much safer than in the past, with professionals avoiding senseless risks through careful preparation and safety protocols.
Denis Kováč, co-founder of one of Slovakia's most popular podcasts "Mozgová atletika" (Brain Athletics), attributes his personal and professional development to quality literature that has shaped his worldview. The podcast aims to improve critical thinking and increase public awareness among Slovak audiences. Kováč has built his media venture around knowledge and inspiration drawn from books, which he says have left lasting impressions that formed his current personality and approach to information sharing.
Registration has opened for Photomarathon Bratislava 2026, a photography competition taking place as part of the Good Market initiative in Slovakia's capital. The event's website is now accepting entries for both the main photomarathon competition and an associated project called "Hang Up Your Photo." The photomarathon represents part of Bratislava's broader cultural programming, combining artistic competition with the city's market activities.
Slovak cartoonist Mikuláš Sliacky published a political cartoon titled 'Dasvidánia!' (Goodbye in Russian) in the daily newspaper SME. The cartoon appears to be commenting on current political developments, though the specific subject matter and visual content of the illustration were not detailed in the source material.
Auxiliary Bishop J. Kuboš conducted a blessing ceremony for a livestock herd in the village of Pažica. Local scout Roman Blaško helps care for the animals as a volunteer. The religious blessing of livestock is a traditional practice in Slovak rural communities, reflecting the country's deep-rooted Catholic traditions and the ongoing connection between faith and agricultural life in smaller villages.
Visitors to the Albrecht House in Bratislava will be able to watch the opening concert of the Prague Spring International Music Festival. The Prague Spring festival is the Czech Republic's most prestigious classical music event, drawing international performers and audiences each year. The screening at the Albrecht House, a cultural venue in Bratislava's old town, will allow Slovak audiences to experience the festival's renowned opening performance without traveling to Prague.
The Trnava Educational Center has opened a photography exhibition titled "Selection of Works" featuring photographs by the Chrenkovec family. The exhibition is part of the KreaTiviTa 2026 project, a cultural initiative in the western Slovak city of Trnava. The show displays selected works from the photographers' portfolio, contributing to the broader cultural programming planned for the multi-year project.
Vienna is making preparations to host the Eurovision Song Contest, with Austrian authorities organizing numerous accompanying events throughout the capital city. The preparations indicate Austria's readiness to welcome international visitors and participants for one of Europe's largest televised music competitions.
The Bratislava Region held its regional round of the national children's folk music competition "Vidiečanova Habovka - deti 2026" on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Slovak Radio's Studio 2 in Bratislava. The event served as a qualifying round for the nationwide folk music festival and showcase featuring young performers. Vidiečanova Habovka is a traditional Slovak folk music competition that promotes cultural heritage among children and youth, with regional competitions leading to a national final where the best young folk musicians and singers compete.
Pope Francis has modified the traditional Litany of Loreto, a centuries-old Marian prayer typically recited during May, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Catholic tradition. The litany consists of poetic invocations celebrating Mary's role as protector, mother, and source of hope, with phrases ranging from accessible verses to more archaic expressions like "Tower of Ivory" that can be difficult for modern believers to relate to. The papal changes represent an effort to make the traditional prayer more accessible to contemporary Catholics while maintaining its spiritual significance.
A new community Tinsmith Center has been established in Horné Otrokovce, a village in western Slovakia. The project reached a milestone in late April when an ornamental facade was installed on the building during a public ceremony attended by project partners and local residents. The opening event included creative activities for children, marking the completion of this cultural community space dedicated to preserving the traditional tinsmith craft that has historical significance in the region.
The Baťa Garden in Partizánske continues to preserve the legacy of the famous Czech industrialist and shoe manufacturer Tomáš Baťa. Miriam Miková from the Partizánske Beautification Association has been surrounded by greenery throughout her life, having grown up in garden spaces from childhood. The garden represents a living connection to the industrial heritage of the Baťa company, which established significant operations in the region during the early-to-mid 20th century and became synonymous with innovative urban planning and community development in Central Europe.
Slovak visual artist Bubán encountered harsh criticism from the public when he transitioned from traditional art forms to abstract painting, with critics claiming he had "gone mad" for abandoning conventional artistic styles. The artist remained committed to his abstract approach despite public disapproval, refusing to conform to popular taste and expectations. Bubán maintained a philosophical outlook on his artistic journey, finding positive elements even in negative feedback and criticism of his work.
A Slovak visual artist has died, remembered for his controversial transition to abstract art that drew criticism from those who said he had gone mad. The artist was known for not painting according to popular taste and for finding positive elements even in negative situations. His shift away from conventional artistic styles sparked public debate, with critics questioning his artistic direction when he moved toward abstraction.
An art installation featuring a falling column on a cinema facade has startled some residents in the central Slovak town of Kremnica. The artwork was created by artist Jaroslav Více as a commentary on the current state of culture in Slovakia. Local officials expect culture minister Lukáš Machala to visit and examine the installation, which has drawn attention for its provocative design addressing cultural issues in the country.
The Cannes Film Festival will begin Tuesday with 22 films competing for the prestigious Palme d'Or award. South Korean director, screenwriter and producer Park Chan-wook will serve as president of the jury that will select the winner of cinema's most coveted prize. The festival represents one of the film industry's most important annual events, bringing together filmmakers, distributors and critics from around the world on the French Riviera.
A Slovak travel publication is highlighting the Italian city of Bari as an authentic alternative to tourist resorts, promoting its street food culture where elderly women make fresh pasta outdoors, along with affordable flight connections from Slovakia. The article emphasizes Bari's authentic atmosphere, featuring the bustling port, the crypts of Saint Nicholas, and distinctive local flavors including focaccia bread filling the narrow streets with aroma.