Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 07/06/2026 21:40 · 36 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Culture

View all1374 stories
Culture

Slovak Band Ali Ibn Rachid Releases New Album Critiquing Current Political Climate

Slovak cult band Ali Ibn Rachid, known for their politically charged music, has released a new album titled "Ružové dieťa" (Pink Child). The band, which operates between Prešov and Bratislava, uses the album to draw comparisons between Slovakia's recent past and present, suggesting that while COVID-19 restrictions limited freedoms five years ago, the current political environment under Prime Minister Robert Fico's government represents a different form of constraint they term "ficokracia." Ali Ibn Rachid has built a reputation for their provocative commentary on Slovak society and politics through their music, continuing this tradition with their latest release that appears to critique the contemporary political landscape in Slovakia.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Czech Actor Jan Potměšil, Star of Film 'Bony a klid', Dies

Czech actor Jan Potměšil, known for his starring role in the film 'Bony a klid', has died. The actor had been wheelchair-bound for 23 years due to disability. Potměšil was a recognized figure in Czech cinema, with his performance in 'Bony a klid' marking one of his notable career achievements.

SME
|
Culture

Regional Round of Slovakia's Premier Poetry Recitation Contest Set for Bratislava

The regional round of the 72nd annual Hviezdoslavov Kubín competition will take place in the coming days at Studio A2 of the New Regional Theater in Bratislava. Skilled reciters from across the Bratislava region will compete in Slovakia's most prestigious poetry recitation contest. The competition, named after renowned Slovak poet Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav and held annually since the 1950s, serves as a platform for students and amateur performers to showcase their interpretive skills with Slovak and international poetry. Regional winners advance to the national finals, making this event a significant cultural milestone for participants and their communities.

Bratislavský kraj
|
Culture

Slovak Artist Rudolf Sikora Celebrates 80th Birthday as Cultural Icon

Rudolf Sikora, one of Slovakia's most prominent contemporary artists, celebrated his 80th birthday today, with colleagues and cultural figures praising his enduring impact on Slovak art and society. The artist, known for his powerful visual works and outspoken public advocacy, has been described by fellow artists including František Mikloško, Peter Stanke, and Dagmar Bajcurová as a "phenomenon" whose voice "thunders like the strongest thunder." Sikora has built his reputation through artworks that address universal themes including humanity's fate and environmental destruction, while also maintaining an active public presence through speeches at rallies and public squares. His colleagues emphasize his indestructible energy and commitment to using art as a platform for addressing global concerns, cementing his status as a significant figure in Slovak cultural life who continues to challenge audiences through both his gallery exhibitions and public activism.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Slovak Media Releases New Episode of Satirical Podcast Series

Slovak news outlet SME has published a new episode of its satirical podcast series 'Piatoček' (Friday), featuring commentary on current affairs. The latest episode appears to focus on Peter Plačko, though specific details of the content were not provided in the brief announcement.

SME
|
Culture

Slovak Culture Ministry Official Opens Exhibition of Renaissance Bust He Previously Attempted to Remove

Lukáš Machala, general secretary of the Culture Ministry's service office, opened an exhibition featuring a Renaissance bust of Cecilia Gonzaga at the Historical Town Hall in Levoča. The same official had drawn national attention nearly a year ago when he attempted to remove the 15th-century artwork from the Spiš Museum's collection. Visitors at Thursday's opening ceremony made pointed comments about the irony of the situation, with one remarking that it was fortunate the bust was not authentic, "otherwise they would never return it to us." The marble bust, which depicts an Italian Renaissance noblewoman, is considered one of the most valuable pieces in the Spiš Museum's collection and has been the subject of controversy regarding cultural heritage protection in Slovakia.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Slovak Cultural Community Presents 100-Day Recovery Plan Following Minister Šimkovičová

Slovakia's cultural community has unveiled a comprehensive recovery plan for the first 100 days after the departure of Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová. The initiative comes from the Open Culture platform, which emerged following widespread mobilization within Slovakia's cultural sector against the current minister's policies. Rather than waiting for Šimkovičová's removal from office, the cultural organizations have proactively developed what they call a "Recovery Plan" that outlines specific steps for rebuilding the ministry under new leadership. The plan represents a shift from protest to programmatic action, as cultural professionals prepare detailed proposals for how Slovakia's cultural institutions and policies should be reformed once new management takes control of the ministry.

Aktuality
|
Culture

Bulgaria Wins Grand Prix Svetozára Stračinu 2026 International Competition

Bulgaria has been awarded the Grand Prix Svetozára Stračinu 2026, an international competition organized by Slovak public broadcaster STVR. The current edition of the contest featured 14 participating countries that submitted a total of 31 recordings. The Grand Prix Svetozára Stračinu is an annual international competition that recognizes excellence in broadcasting and media production, named after Svetozár Stračina, a prominent figure in Slovak broadcasting history.

TASR/Teraz
|
Culture

Painting Workshop with Martin Kellenberger to Focus on Still Life and Figure Drawing in Bratislava Region

A practical painting workshop led by Martin Kellenberger will offer instruction in still life and figure studies in the Bratislava region. The workshop will focus on fundamental painting principles for depicting still life compositions and human figures, while also allowing participants to work on their own artistic themes. The hands-on session is designed to teach basic techniques for these classical painting subjects.

Bratislavský kraj
|
Culture

Disputed Renaissance Bust of Cecilia Gonzaga Goes on Display in Levoča

A controversial Renaissance bust attributed to Cecilia Gonzaga has been put on display in Levoča, sparking debate among art historians about its authenticity. The sculpture's journey from a correctional facility through secret transport to its current exhibition tells a complex story of art authentication disputes. The exhibition, titled "The Story of One Bust," traces the artwork's unusual path while highlighting the ongoing scholarly disagreement over whether the piece is genuine or a forgery. Art experts remain divided on the bust's provenance, with some questioning its attribution while others defend its historical significance.

Aktuality
|
Culture

Political Cartoon: Hungarian Deer

A political cartoon titled 'Hungarian Deer' was published, drawn by artist Rosie Naive Art. The cartoon appears to be commentary on current political developments related to Hungary, though the specific subject matter of the illustration was not detailed in the source material.

SME
|
Culture

Disputed Donatello Bust Returns to Public Display Despite Authenticity Questions

A controversial bust previously attributed to Renaissance master Donatello has returned to public display after being transported under secretive circumstances. The artwork, which has been at the center of authenticity debates, can now be viewed by visitors despite an Italian expert's assessment that it is a forgery. The piece had been connected to former culture minister Machala, though the specific nature of that connection and the reasons for the secretive transport remain unclear.

Korzár
|
Culture

Slovak Theater Festival Raises 150,000 Euros in Three Months After State Funding Cut

The Dotyky a spojenia theater festival in Martin has successfully raised 150,000 euros in just three months through public donations, support concerts, and contributions from local government and businesses. The fundraising campaign was launched after the Fund for Arts Support (FPU), Slovakia's state cultural funding agency, cut the festival's budget by half just three months before the event was scheduled to take place. The festival, which was co-founded by prominent Slovak actor Zuzana Fialová, will proceed as planned despite the dramatic reduction in state support. The successful crowdfunding effort demonstrates strong public commitment to preserving cultural events in Slovakia, where arts organizations frequently struggle with unpredictable government funding.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Senica hosts theatrical competition for young performers

The western Slovak town of Senica hosted the Senica Theatrical Spring 2026 competition, a showcase event for young theatrical talent. The event was opened by Zuzana Čobrdová, director of the Záhorie Educational Center, who emphasized the importance of supporting children's artistic development and praised the collaboration between the educational center, the city of Senica, and the municipal cultural center in organizing the event.

TASR/Teraz
|
Culture

1,400 Students to Visit Bratislava's Reduta to Learn About Royal Instrument

Approximately 1,400 schoolchildren will visit Bratislava's Reduta concert hall to participate in an educational program about a royal musical instrument. The event will teach students about the instrument's history, its components, and how it sounds. The Reduta, located in Bratislava's Old Town, is the home venue of the Slovak Philharmonic and one of the city's premier cultural institutions for classical music performances.

TASR/Teraz
|
Culture

Creators of Romantic Comedy 'Po večierke' Release Trailer

The makers of the Slovak romantic comedy "Po večierke" (After the Party) have unveiled the film's trailer. The preview reveals that the meeting between main characters Kráťa and Anežka is far from an idyllic reunion of old lovers, suggesting the film takes a more unconventional approach to the romantic comedy genre.

TASR/Teraz
|
Culture

Ukrainian Author Oleksandr Mykhed's 'Language of War' Selected as Book of the Month

A Slovak publication has selected Ukrainian author Oleksandr Mykhed's work "Language of War" as its book of the month. The book documents the brutal realities of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including bombs marked "for children," mass sexual violence against women, murders committed for entertainment, widespread looting, and systematic destruction. The selection highlights ongoing international attention to literary works that chronicle the war's impact on Ukrainian society.

SME
|
Culture

French Author Laurent Mauvignier Discusses Writing Process in Slovakia

French author Laurent Mauvignier shared insights about his writing process during a literary event in Slovakia, emphasizing that writing requires taking risks and diving into the unknown. The author discussed the necessary courage involved in the creative process, describing it as an inevitable leap into an abyss that writers must embrace to produce meaningful work.

SME
|