Interest in Hana Gregorová, described as an outsider who was ahead of her time, is increasing. Gregorová was a prominent Slovak actress who gained recognition for her unconventional approach and forward-thinking perspective in the entertainment industry.
The Small Carpathian Mining Association is organizing the 15th edition of a mining trail walk in Pezinok, a town near Bratislava known for its historical wine production and mining heritage. The event will include guided tours through underground mining tunnels, offering participants a chance to explore the region's mining history. Pezinok, located in the Small Carpathian Mountains about 20 kilometers northeast of Bratislava, has a rich tradition of both viticulture and historical mining operations that date back centuries.
Spišská Nová Ves, a city in eastern Slovakia, will host the annual Spiš Region Days festival, transforming the town hall square into a regional showcase. The event will feature a diverse program combining theatrical performances, musical acts, and robotics demonstrations, highlighting both cultural traditions and modern technology in the Spiš region.
Slovakia will celebrate Europe Day with events in Bratislava on Thursday and in Košice on May 11, according to the European Commission's representation in Slovakia. Europe Day falls on May 9 and commemorates peace and unity in Europe. The celebration coincides with the annual tradition of illuminating prominent buildings and monuments worldwide in the colors of the European Union flag to mark the occasion.
Director Mariana Čengel Solčanská is preparing a major new film about the Slovak National Uprising that focuses on a previously underexplored chapter of the country's wartime history. The upcoming feature film "Bus to Wolf Holes" will center on the traveling Front Theater and its founder Andrej Bagar, rather than the military strategies typically depicted in films about the 1944 anti-Nazi uprising. The Slovak National Uprising was a major armed resistance movement against Nazi Germany and its Slovak puppet state, launched in August 1944 by Slovak partisans, resistance fighters, and parts of the Slovak army. Čengel Solčanská's approach represents a cultural perspective on this pivotal historical event, highlighting the role of theater and arts during wartime resistance.
Dennik N, one of Slovakia's leading independent newspapers, has expanded its operations to Brussels and received the highest number of nominations for this year's Journalism Awards. The newspaper's publisher addressed supporters about the outlet's progress despite facing ongoing challenges from state pressure and proposed media regulation legislation. The expansion comes as the publication navigates concerns about government attacks on journalists from Dennik N and other media outlets, issues within the culture ministry, and new legislative proposals aimed at regulating media operations. The Brussels office represents a significant development for the newspaper as it continues to operate amid what it describes as a challenging environment for independent journalism in Slovakia.
The village of Čataj in Slovakia will commemorate 100 years since its first documented folk performance with a full-day celebration on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The centennial event will feature a traditional costume parade through the village, demonstrations of traditional crafts, and folk performances. The celebration marks a significant milestone in preserving Slovakia's cultural heritage at the local level, highlighting how rural communities maintain their folk traditions across generations. Such events play an important role in keeping Slovak cultural identity alive, particularly in smaller villages where traditional customs might otherwise be forgotten.
The Kysuce region in northern Slovakia experienced the passage of World War II front lines during April and May 1945, marking the end of a lengthy occupation period. The area was among the first territories occupied by German forces early in the war but became one of the last regions to be liberated as Allied forces advanced through Slovakia in the final months of the conflict. The mountainous region's strategic location along traditional trade routes made it militarily significant during both the initial occupation and the eventual liberation campaign that swept through Slovakia in spring 1945.
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler is recovering following intestinal surgery in Portugal. The 74-year-old performer, known for hits like "Total Eclipse of the Heart," underwent the medical procedure recently. Tyler, who was born in Wales, has maintained an active performing career well into her seventies.
Slovak daily newspaper SME published an editorial cartoon by artist Mikuláš Sliacky depicting a traffic jam beneath Bratislava Castle's gate. The cartoon appears to be commentary on current events, though the specific satirical target is not specified in the source material.
Slovak media outlet SME published a historical article examining the mobilization process for the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps in 1945. The piece explores how forces were assembled with the goal of liberating Slovakia during the final phase of World War II. The article appears to focus on the military organization and recruitment efforts that contributed to Slovakia's liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945.
A popular langos vendor in Petržalka, Bratislava's largest district, entertained its followers by sharing a collection of the most bizarre and amusing comments from customers on social media. The Bratislava-based business compiled highlights of customer interactions that provided entertainment for its online community.
Valerián Čunderlík, a Slovak teacher and poet who lived a double life during the interwar period, has become the subject of popular media adaptations including the TV series "Dunaj, k vašim službám" and a podcast episode. Čunderlík was known for his public persona as an educator and writer who engaged with the Slovak People's Party regime, frequented Bratislava cafes, and appeared in newspapers. However, beneath his charming exterior lay a manipulative personality who used his charisma to control others. His case gained renewed attention after being featured in the crime podcast "Vražedné psyché" (Murderous Psyches), which dedicated an episode to examining his complex character and the problems that emerged following a teacher's death.
Sir David Attenborough, one of the world's most renowned naturalists and documentary filmmakers, celebrated his 100th birthday on May 8. The broadcasting pioneer began his career when television was still in its infancy, initially facing rejection due to his prominent teeth before becoming the iconic voice of nature documentaries. Born when Queen Elizabeth II was just 17 days old and television broadcasting did not yet exist, Attenborough has witnessed dramatic environmental changes during his century of life. During his lifetime, approximately 500 vertebrate species have gone extinct on Earth, forested areas equivalent to the size of the United States have been lost, and roughly 75% of the genetic diversity of food crops has disappeared. Despite these alarming environmental losses, his groundbreaking work in wildlife filmmaking has significantly increased public awareness and understanding of the natural world.
Pop star Billie Eilish has collaborated with acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron on a new project, as concert films emerge as a significant revenue driver for American movie theaters recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The trend toward concert films has gained momentum as audiences increasingly turn to cinemas for musical experiences, driven partly by the high cost of live concert tickets. This shift has provided a crucial lifeline for the cinema industry, which struggled with reduced attendance and revenue during the pandemic lockdowns.
Bratislava will host a diverse array of cultural events over the weekend, featuring musical concerts, a Japanese film festival, and street dance performances. The Slovak capital's cultural calendar includes multiple entertainment options spanning different artistic disciplines, offering residents and visitors various recreational activities. These events reflect Bratislava's active cultural scene, providing opportunities for both local and international artistic expression in the city.
Piešťany is organizing the Day of Plant Fascination 2026, an educational event where visitors will be able to test plants in test tubes, observe plants suitable for green roofs, and learn about the importance of meadow plants for ecosystems. The event aims to promote botanical education and environmental awareness through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Slovak news website SME has launched a survey asking readers to provide feedback on their podcast listening experience. The outlet is seeking audience input through a questionnaire to improve its podcast offerings and better serve its listeners' preferences.
A Slovak economist has published a commentary examining themes of departure and decline, drawing parallels to a scene from the upcoming sequel to "The Devil Wears Prada" where the character Miranda Priestley contemplates knowing when it's time to leave. The author uses the fictional dialogue between Miranda and her husband Kenneth Branagh in a Milan hotel suite to explore broader questions about recognizing the right moment for departure. The commentary suggests that while Miranda's time for departure has not yet arrived, missing that crucial moment could result in being written off entirely.
Two major historical sites in eastern Slovakia will welcome visitors on May 8. Betliar Castle and the Mausoleum in Krásnohorské Podhradie will remain open until late afternoon, offering extended access to these cultural landmarks. Both sites are significant heritage attractions in the Košice region, with Betliar Castle serving as a major tourist destination known for its romantic English-style park and historical collections, while the Andrássy Mausoleum represents one of Slovakia's most important neo-Byzantine architectural monuments.