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Culture

Slovak Musician Criticizes Government's Cultural Policies at Radio Head Awards

Juraj "Jureš" Líška, frontman of the Slovak band Fallgrapp, delivered a sharp critique of the current government during his acceptance speech at the Radio Head Awards ceremony. Líška warned that "when we begin to dismantle culture, we dismantle ourselves," expressing concern about the direction of cultural policy under the current administration. The musician said he hopes future generations will remember what truly happened during this period and recall the current leaders "in an unfavorable light." The comments reflect growing tensions between Slovakia's cultural community and the government led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD party, which returned to power in late 2023 following elections.

Aktuality
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Culture

Milan Paštéka's 'Breakfast' Selected as Work of the Week

Slovak author Milan Paštéka's latest work "Breakfast" has been chosen as the featured work of the week by cultural reviewers. Rather than offering a traditional narrative structure, Paštéka uses the piece to explore philosophical questions about human relationships and intimacy. The work examines what it means to be together with someone and explores the unspoken dynamics that occur during shared breakfast moments, transforming one of the most ordinary parts of daily life into a meditation on companionship and silence.

TASR/Teraz
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Culture

Slovak Media Outlet Launches Video Series Explaining Political Statements

Denník N, a Slovak news publication, has launched a short video format called "Doba klamenná" (The Age of Lies) in which journalist Šimona Tomková explains current political statements in a more digestible form. The format aims to make complex political rhetoric more accessible to audiences by breaking down what politicians are actually saying.

Dennik N
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Culture

Historic Miklušova Prison Transforms Exhibitions into Interactive Experience Before Renovation

Slovakia's Miklušova prison is redesigning its visitor experience by combining historical tours with theatrical elements before undergoing major renovations. The facility, which serves as a historical site, is transforming its traditional exhibitions into immersive experiences that blend history with dramatic performances. The changes aim to enhance visitor engagement while preserving the site's historical significance during the upcoming restoration work.

Korzár
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Culture

Slovak Artist Nikola Balberčáková Wins Oskár Čepan Prize for Contemporary Art

Nikola Balberčáková has been awarded the Oskár Čepan Prize, Slovakia's most prestigious contemporary art award. The artist, known for transforming personal experience into political statements, uses intimacy as a tool of resistance to make visible the quiet struggles of everyday life. Her work explores possibilities for free living outside expected social scenarios, drawing inspiration from diverse sources including anarchist literature and collectible BJD dolls. The Oskár Čepan Prize, established in 1999, recognizes outstanding achievements in contemporary Slovak art and is named after the influential Slovak art critic who championed experimental and conceptual art during the communist era and democratic transition.

Dennik N
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Culture

Slovak Author Pavel Weiss Releases Novel After Seven Years and Eleven Drafts

Slovak writer Pavel Weiss has completed his new novel "2 500 týždňov" (2,500 Weeks) after a lengthy seven-year writing process that involved creating eleven different versions of the work. The book represents a significant literary undertaking for the author, who dedicated nearly a decade to perfecting the manuscript through multiple revisions and rewrites. The novel's title references approximately 48 years in human life, suggesting themes related to time and life's passage, though specific plot details have not been disclosed.

SME
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Culture

Slovak Rock Band Saténové ruky Releases New Album 'Tiesňava'

Slovak rock band Saténové ruky has released a new vinyl album titled 'Tiesňava' (Gorge), which music critics are praising as a standout work in the country's constrained musical landscape. The album combines sharp wit, irony, and social commentary with distinctive rhythms and provocative lyrical content. Critics note that the band represents one of Slovakia's genuine rock gems, offering original and challenging music that stands out against the backdrop of mainstream pop offerings. The release demonstrates the band's ability to blend sophisticated musical arrangements with thought-provoking verbal collections that create what reviewers describe as an 'originally irritating musical dance.'

Dennik N
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Culture

Austrian Empress Elisabeth Was Rebellious Icon Who Defied Royal Protocol, New Historical Account Reveals

Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sissi, led a dramatically unconventional life that challenged 19th-century royal expectations, according to newly highlighted historical accounts. The Bavarian-born empress reportedly kept cocaine in her medicine cabinet, engaged in secret flirtations at court balls, and displayed an eagle tattoo on her body - behavior that shocked the rigid Habsburg court protocol. Elisabeth, who married Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1854, became known for her rebellious spirit and disregard for traditional royal duties. Her unconventional lifestyle and pursuit of personal freedom made her a controversial figure within the Austrian imperial court, contrasting sharply with the expected demeanor of Habsburg royalty during the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

SME
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Culture

Slovak Radio Awards Ceremony Features Strong Messages Against Political Pressure

The Slovak Radio Awards ceremony became a platform for defiant messages against political intimidation, with participants declaring they would not be discouraged or frightened regardless of circumstances. The event featured unusual developments, including the first-ever tie in the main category requiring two awards to be presented. The youngest member of a well-known group won both the discovery of the year award and the song of the year recognition. The ceremony took place amid ongoing tensions surrounding Slovak public media, where journalists and cultural figures have faced increasing political pressure from the current government's media policies.

Dennik N
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Culture

Czech Actor and Playwright Zdeněk Svěrák Celebrates 90th Birthday

Czech actor, screenwriter, lyricist, playwright and lifelong educator Zdeněk Svěrák celebrated his 90th birthday. The veteran artist, who has been described as a hypothetical president of the Czech nation, remains a beloved figure in Czech culture despite his advanced age. Svěrák's career has spanned multiple decades and disciplines, establishing him as one of the most respected cultural figures in the Czech Republic.

Dennik N
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Culture

Slovak Media Chief Discusses Books That Shaped His Journalism Career

Peter Bárdy, editor-in-chief of Aktuality.sk, one of Slovakia's leading news websites, shared insights about the books that influenced his development as a journalist and citizen in a recent interview. Bárdy discussed how literature has shaped his approach to reporting and his perspective on life in the 21st century. He also revealed details about his process for writing books about Slovak politicians, explaining that books offer different value compared to journalistic articles. Bárdy emphasized his philosophy of writing about topics he himself wants to read about, suggesting this approach helps him create more engaging content for readers.

Aktuality
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Culture

Slovak Film Podcast Discusses New Movie Releases Including 'Šampión'

A Slovak film podcast called Vertigo has released a new episode featuring recommendations for upcoming movie releases. The episode includes discussion of the film 'Šampión,' which appears to be positioned as a second attempt at a particular type of story or theme. The podcast provides film enthusiasts with insights into new cinema offerings available to Slovak audiences.

SME
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Culture

Slovak Name Day Calendar Celebrates Soňa on March 28

Slovak women named Soňa celebrate their name day on March 28. According to traditional Slovak name day customs, people named Soňa are characterized as persistent and thoughtful individuals who maintain their composure and are not easily provoked or frustrated.

TASR/Teraz
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Culture

Slovak Media Shares Easter Lamb Baking Tips as Holiday Season Approaches

Local media in Slovakia's eastern region is providing guidance to help families prepare traditional Easter lamb cakes without common baking mishaps. The Easter lamb holds deep cultural significance in Slovakia, representing purity, innocence, and new life that comes with spring, beyond its Christian symbolism of hope and triumph of life over death. Many Slovak bakers struggle with the technical challenge of removing the cake from its mold without damaging delicate features like ears or the nose, making successful preparation a point of pride during the Easter season.

Košice Dnes
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Culture

Thousands of Slovaks Complete Extreme Way of the Cross Pilgrimage

Thousands of Slovak pilgrims participated in the Extreme Way of the Cross, a challenging religious pilgrimage that attracts participants from across the country. The demanding spiritual journey included pilgrims as young as twelve years old, with participants expressing profound satisfaction after completing the arduous route. The pilgrimage represents one of Slovakia's significant religious traditions, drawing large numbers of faithful who undertake the physically and spiritually demanding journey as an expression of their Christian devotion.

Korzár
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Culture

Rusyn Community Seeks to Relocate Museum for Greater Tourist Access

The Rusyn ethnic community in eastern Slovakia is pushing to relocate their museum to an area with higher population density to attract more tourists and boost regional economic benefits. The Rusyns, a Slavic ethnic minority primarily concentrated in Slovakia's easternmost regions near the Ukrainian border, believe the move would increase visitor numbers and generate greater tourism revenue for the area. The community is also counting on the connection to pop art icon Andy Warhol, whose parents were Rusyn immigrants from the region, to help draw international visitors to their cultural institution.

Korzár
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Culture

SME Media Expands Digital Services with New Slovak Dictionary

Slovak media company SME has launched a new digital dictionary service, expanding its online offerings beyond news content. The dictionary joins SME's existing digital platforms, which include news coverage and interactive games, as part of the company's broader digital strategy. SME, one of Slovakia's leading independent media outlets, positions the new service as supporting the Slovak language in digital spaces, reflecting growing efforts by media companies to diversify their digital offerings amid changing consumption patterns.

SME
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Culture

Prague Castle Displays Medieval Treasures Including St. Vitus Collection and Charles IV Documents

Prague Castle has opened an exhibition featuring the St. Vitus Treasury and historical documents from the era of Charles IV. The display includes approximately 150 medieval and Renaissance artifacts, comprising reliquaries, paintings, sculptures, and textile artifacts. The exhibition showcases significant historical treasures from one of Central Europe's most important royal collections, offering visitors insight into the medieval heritage of the former Bohemian kingdom during the 14th-century reign of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV.

TASR/Teraz
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