Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 08/06/2026 21:38 · 54 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Culture

View all1388 stories
Culture

Slovak Cultural Institutions Call on Film Fund to Honor Existing Contracts

Cultural institutions in Slovakia have issued a public appeal to the Slovak Audiovisual Fund (FPU), demanding that the state funding body respect existing contracts and agreements. The institutions warned they are prepared to pursue all available legal remedies, including seeking damages, if the fund fails to honor its contractual obligations. The dispute highlights tensions between Slovakia's cultural sector and the audiovisual fund, which provides state funding for film and television productions. The exact nature of the contractual disagreements was not specified, but the institutions' threat of legal action suggests significant financial stakes are involved.

TASR/Teraz
|
Culture

Cultural Sector Leaders Criticize Government Over Funding and Support

Slovak cultural institutions have expressed strong criticism toward the government, accusing officials of deliberately undermining the country's cultural sector. Cultural leaders stated they are questioning what they did to deserve such treatment, claiming the government shows no interest in addressing problems facing cultural institutions or recognizing the value of their work. The criticism reflects growing tensions between Slovakia's cultural community and the current administration over funding priorities and support for arts organizations.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Slovak Cultural Organizations Challenge Grant Cancellations by Arts Funding Council

Cultural organizations in Slovakia are questioning the validity of state contracts after the Arts Funding Council (FPU) cancelled previously approved grants to festivals, publishers and cultural centers. Legal experts are advising the affected organizations to file complaints with the prosecutor's office over the grant cancellations. The dispute highlights tensions over cultural funding decisions and raises broader questions about the enforceability of government contracts in Slovakia's cultural sector.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Czech Director Jan Svěrák Completes New Film Shot in Absolute Secrecy

Czech filmmaker Jan Svěrák has finished work on his new comedy "Pět švestek" (Five Plums), which was produced under strict secrecy. The film tells the story of a group of friends who decide to take control of their lives once more and set sail on the sea. Svěrák, the Academy Award-winning director known for films like "Kolya," kept details of the production closely guarded throughout the filming process.

TASR/Teraz
|
Culture

Slovak Singer Peter Cmorik Celebrates Birthday and 20-Year Career with Concert

Slovak singer Peter Cmorik marked both his birthday and two decades in the music industry with a special concert performance. The artist crafted a playlist featuring songs from albums he has released over his twenty-year career, opening the show with "Som kto som" (I Am Who I Am) from his album "Najlepšie miesto" (The Best Place). The celebration concert showcased the breadth of Cmorik's musical journey since he began performing professionally two decades ago.

TASR/Teraz
|
Culture

Daily Editorial Cartoon: Chuck Norris Comes for Death

Slovak newspaper SME published an editorial cartoon by artist Györe featuring Chuck Norris in a humorous take on the action star's legendary invincibility. The cartoon, part of the newspaper's regular 'Hej, ty!' (Hey, You!) series, plays on the popular internet meme culture surrounding Chuck Norris jokes, where the American martial artist and actor is portrayed as supremely powerful and capable of defeating even abstract concepts like death itself.

SME
|
Culture

Open Culture Platform Plans Major Cultural Protest in Late March

The Open Culture Platform has announced plans to hold a large-scale cultural protest in late March, beginning at Freedom Square in Bratislava. The demonstration represents organized action by cultural sector advocates, though specific details about the protest's objectives and participating organizations have not been disclosed. Freedom Square, located in the heart of Slovakia's capital, serves as a traditional venue for public demonstrations and political gatherings.

SME
|
Culture

Commentary Criticizes Government's Approach to Culture and Language

A Slovak commentary has sharply criticized the current government's cultural policies, accusing ruling authorities of being hostile to national culture. The piece argues that government officials, described as determined destroyers of national culture, fear substantive discourse and instead promote empty rhetoric. The commentary suggests the administration relies on hollow promises, unfulfillable hopes, and unrealistic visions, including promises of endless pensions, rather than engaging with meaningful cultural and intellectual content.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Beyond the Peeing Boy: Brussels Offers Hidden Cultural Treasures Among Taverns and Murals

Brussels is rarely considered a prime destination for exploring European culture, with most visitors arriving in the Belgian capital for business trips rather than leisure travel. However, the city offers numerous hidden experiences and cultural attractions, including historic taverns and street murals, that reveal a richer cultural landscape than its reputation suggests. The city's overlooked treasures provide authentic cultural experiences for travelers willing to venture beyond the typical tourist attractions.

Aktuality
|
Culture

Slovakia's Agricultural TV Show 'Farmárska Revue' Celebrates 900th Episode Milestone

Farmárska Revue, a popular Slovak television program dedicated to agriculture, has reached its 900th episode, marking a significant milestone for the long-running show. The program's longtime host Ján Škorňa has continued presenting even through injuries, once appearing on camera with crutches, demonstrating his dedication to the agricultural broadcasting format. Škorňa revealed that his signature "miracle apple" segment has contributed to his popularity with female viewers, while also discussing plans for technological innovations to better serve fans of modern farming. The veteran presenter is now preparing to search for his successor as the show looks toward its future, suggesting a transition period ahead for one of Slovakia's most enduring agricultural television programs.

Aktuality
|
Culture

Slovak Crystal Wing Awards Honor Scientists, Artists and Philanthropists for 2025

Slovakia's prestigious Crystal Wing awards ceremony recognized outstanding achievements across ten categories at the Slovak National Theatre. This year's laureates include prominent figures such as singer Milan Ondrík, pop star Dara Rolins, and Emma Zapletalová, alongside scientists, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists. The Crystal Wing awards, one of Slovakia's most distinguished recognition programs, celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to Slovak society across various fields including arts, science, business, and charitable work. The ceremony also honored a special laureate in addition to the ten category winners.

SMEAktuality
|
Culture

Slovak TV Presenter Alena Heribanová Receives Crystal Wing Special Award for 2025

Slovak television presenter Alena Heribanová received the special Crystal Wing award for 2025, recognizing her decades-long career in broadcasting. Heribanová has been a fixture on Slovak television screens since 1979, spanning over four decades in the industry. The Crystal Wing award is one of Slovakia's most prestigious recognition honors, celebrating outstanding contributions to Slovak culture and public life.

SME
|
Culture

Czech Expert Discusses Political Propaganda's Threat to Democracy on Slovak Podcast

Czech journalist and political PR expert Alexandra Alvarová appeared on the Slovak podcast Infosec Report to discuss how coordinated and industrially-produced political propaganda is systematically undermining democratic institutions. The episode, hosted by Victor Breiner, examined the impact of organized disinformation campaigns on contemporary politics. The discussion comes amid growing concerns across Central Europe about the influence of propaganda and disinformation on democratic processes and public discourse.

Aktuality
|
Culture

Slovakia Announces Winners of Krištáľové krídlo Awards for 2025

Slovakia has announced the winners of its annual Krištáľové krídlo (Crystal Wing) awards for 2025, with notable recipients including Milan Ondrík, singer Dara Rolins, and Emma Zapletalová. The awards recognized achievements across ten different categories. The Krištáľové krídlo awards are Slovakia's prestigious annual recognition program that honors outstanding contributions to Slovak culture, arts, sports, and public life across various fields.

SME
|
Culture

Top Model Adriana Sklenaříková Poses with Korzár Newspaper During Tatras Photo Shoot

Slovak supermodel Adriana Sklenaříková conducted a photo shoot in the High Tatras mountains, posing with a copy of the Korzár newspaper during the session. The model, who has achieved international recognition in the fashion industry, indicated she plans to return for hiking in the Tatras during the summer months. The photo shoot took place in Slovakia's premier mountain range, which forms part of the Carpathian system along the country's northern border with Poland.

Korzár
|
Culture

Slovak Writer Advocates for Authentic Use of Traditional Folk Dress

Writer and journalist Tamara Šimončíková Heribanová, known by the pseudonym JustTami, appeared on the Mimóza talk show to discuss her dedication to Slovak folk dress and traditions. Heribanová, who has long studied Slovak traditional clothing, described folklore as a key component of national identity and "part of our DNA." She recalled receiving her first festive folk costume as a gift from her grandmother. The author expressed concern about the inappropriate use of traditional dress, stating she would never wear a folk costume without proper knowledge of its significance and cultural context.

Aktuality
|
Culture

Urban Exploration Reveals Slovakia's Hidden Abandoned Places with Historical Stories

A growing interest in urban exploration, known as urbex, has highlighted five of Slovakia's most fascinating abandoned buildings and locations. These deserted structures serve as silent witnesses to the country's past, offering glimpses into historical periods while standing in stark contrast to modern development. The abandoned sites represent more than empty ruins, containing hidden stories that bridge Slovakia's history with its current decline in certain areas.

Aktuality
|
Culture

The Black Crowes Release Acclaimed New Album 'A Pound of Feathers'

American rock band The Black Crowes has released their new album 'A Pound of Feathers,' which has impressed music critics with its energy and authenticity. The album demonstrates that the band, now in their sixties, can still create rock music filled with both freedom and anger that rivals their early career work. Critics noted the recording doesn't sound like typical veteran rock but rather like the work of a young, angry band. The band's ability to maintain their distinctive sound may stem from their consistent approach of following their own musical path throughout their career, meaning they never fell out of fashion because they never strictly followed trends.

Dennik N
|
Culture

American Rock Band The Black Crowes Releases Critically Acclaimed Album at Age 60

American rock band The Black Crowes has released a new album titled "A Pound of Feathers" that has impressed music critics with its youthful energy and defiant sound. The album demonstrates that the band, now in their sixties, can still produce rock music filled with both freedom and anger that rivals their early career work. Critics note the recording doesn't sound like typical veteran rock music but rather like the work of a young, rebellious band. Music reviewers suggest this may be because The Black Crowes have always followed their own musical path, making it impossible for them to go out of style since they never fully conformed to mainstream trends.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Actor Nicholas Brendon, Known for Playing Xander Harris in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' Dies

Actor Nicholas Brendon has died, best known for his role as Xander Harris in the popular television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Brendon also appeared in several other television shows including "Criminal Minds," "Private Practice," and "Kitchen Confidential." The actor gained fame through his portrayal of the loyal friend and member of the core group in the supernatural drama series that ran from 1997 to 2003.

SME
|