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

Choreographer Gillian Lynne, Creator of Cats and Phantom of the Opera, Overcame ADHD to Achieve Artistic Immortality

Gillian Lynne, the legendary British choreographer behind iconic musicals including Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, transformed what was once seen as a behavioral disorder into the foundation of her artistic success. Lynne, who struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in an era when the condition was poorly understood, faced condemnation from society for being different. However, her restless energy and unconventional thinking patterns ultimately became the driving force behind some of theater's most memorable dance sequences. Her story illustrates how neurological differences, when properly channeled, can lead to extraordinary creative achievements that leave lasting cultural impact.

SME
|
Culture

Traditional Slovak Marble Cake Recipe Featured in Local Publication

A local Košice publication featured a recipe for traditional Slovak marble cake (bábovka), highlighting one of the country's most popular desserts. The cake is praised for its simple preparation and fluffy texture, created by combining light and cocoa batters to form an attractive marbled pattern. The recipe is recommended as an ideal accompaniment to coffee or tea, and suitable for serving to family and guests.

Košice Dnes
|
Culture

Traditional Marble Cake Recipe Shared as Popular Dessert Option

A traditional homemade marble cake recipe has been highlighted as one of the most popular desserts, praised for its simplicity and light, fluffy texture. The cake features a distinctive marbled pattern created by combining light and cocoa batters, making it visually appealing as well as delicious. This tried-and-tested recipe serves as an ideal accompaniment to coffee or tea, and makes an excellent sweet treat for families and guests.

Košice Dnes
|
Culture

Bratislava Cultural Center Nová Cvernovka Faces Closure After Sudden Financial Loss

Nová Cvernovka, a prominent cultural center in Bratislava, faces an uncertain future after experiencing a sudden loss of funding. The financial crisis threatens not only the venue's cultural programming but its very survival as an institution. Nová Cvernovka serves as an important cultural hub in Slovakia's capital, hosting various artistic events, exhibitions, and community programs. The center has established itself as a significant venue in Bratislava's cultural landscape, making its potential closure a notable loss for the city's arts community.

Aktuality
|
Culture

International Choirs Compete at Bratislava Spring Festival

The Bratislava Spring Festival, an international music festival featuring children's, youth, and adult choirs and orchestras, began Thursday in the Slovak capital. Competition events are being held at the Primatial Palace, one of Bratislava's historic venues in the city center. The festival brings together musical ensembles from various countries to compete in different categories based on age groups and musical styles.

TASR/Teraz
|
Culture

Former STVR Program Director Joins Radio Lumen

A former program director of STVR, Slovakia's public television broadcaster, has joined Radio Lumen, a Catholic radio station. Štofaník, who began his media career at the radio station, is returning to his professional roots. The move comes amid ongoing changes in Slovakia's media landscape, particularly at public broadcasting institutions which have faced political pressure and personnel shifts in recent years.

SME
|
Culture

Weekly Art Feature Highlights Drawing 'Black Act' by Koloman Sokol

Slovak media has featured a drawing titled 'Black Act' by artist Koloman Sokol as its artwork of the week. The piece is distinguished by its bold outline drawing technique and striking turquoise coloring, which gives it a distinctive character that stands out somewhat within the artist's broader body of work. Sokol was a prominent Slovak graphic artist and painter known for his contributions to 20th-century Slovak art.

TASR/Teraz
|
Culture

Making Beech Liqueur: A Traditional Recipe Returns

A traditional Slovak recipe for homemade beech liqueur is gaining renewed interest among enthusiasts of traditional beverages. The liqueur, known for its delicate nutty flavor and forest aroma, represents a return to historical brewing practices that were once common in Slovak households. The preparation method involves using beech nuts to create a distinctive alcoholic beverage that captures the essence of Slovak forest traditions.

SME
|
Culture

Slovak Film Podcast Reviews Space-Themed Sci-Fi Movie 'Last Chance'

The Slovak film podcast Vertigo featured a review of the science fiction movie 'Last Chance' (Posledná šanca), which tells the story of Ken saving the planet in space. The podcast hosts praised the film as intelligent sci-fi that effectively delivers its environmental message. The review is part of the podcast's regular coverage of new movie releases for Slovak audiences.

SME
|
Culture

Final Days to Register for Slovakia's AMFO 2026 Amateur Photography Competition

Amateur photographers in the Bratislava region have until Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 23:59 to submit their entries for AMFO 2026, Slovakia's national amateur photography competition. The registration deadline is approaching for the nationwide contest, which serves as a progressive competition for amateur photographic works. The competition provides a platform for non-professional photographers across Slovakia to showcase their artistic talents and compete at a national level.

Bratislavský kraj
|
Culture

Timothy Dalton, Two-Time James Bond Actor, Turns 80

British actor Timothy Dalton celebrated his 80th birthday, marking eight decades since the birth of the performer who portrayed secret agent James Bond in two films during the late 1980s. Before taking on the iconic role of Agent 007, Dalton established himself as a frequent television actor and became known for his theatrical elegance, often landing roles in period dramas and aristocratic settings that showcased his classical acting style.

TASR/Teraz
|
Culture

Culture Minister Šimkovičová Criticized for Policies Affecting Cultural Sector

Slovakia's Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová faces criticism for policies that opponents say are damaging the country's cultural sector. The controversy comes as environmental concerns also emerge over a ski slope construction project by TMR that critics say is causing environmental damage. Šimkovičová, who was appointed by the ruling Smer-SD party, has been a polarizing figure since taking office, with cultural organizations and opposition parties arguing her approach is harming Slovakia's cultural institutions and creative community.

SME
|
Culture

Slovak Actress Juliána Brutovská Wins Czech Lion Award, Steps Out of Mother's Shadow

Slovak actress Juliána Brutovská has won a Czech Lion award for her performance in the film "Karavan," marking a significant milestone in her career as she establishes her own artistic identity. The actress, who is the daughter of renowned Slovak actress Jana Oľhová, says she was long known simply as "that Oľhová girl" wherever she went after deciding to pursue acting studies. Brutovská married several years ago and adopted her husband's surname, which she says has helped her somewhat avoid the label of being "the famous actress's daughter." Despite her success, she maintains she doesn't want to live solely for acting and keeps what she calls an "escape route" open, suggesting she values having options beyond her theatrical career.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Weekend Reading Roundup Offers Politics-Free Content

Slovak newspaper Denník N published its weekly weekend reading compilation, explicitly marketed as content free from political coverage. The feature, titled 'Rejoice Without Guilt. It Can Also Be a Form of Resistance,' encourages readers to engage with non-political material as a weekend break from the country's ongoing political discourse.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Weekend Reading Recommendation: Celebrate Without Guilt

Slovak newspaper Denník N has published a weekend feature encouraging readers to enjoy themselves without guilt, suggesting that celebration can serve as a form of resistance. The publication offers curated weekend reading material explicitly free from political content, providing readers with an alternative to the typical news cycle dominated by political developments.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Chuck Norris Celebrates Birthday as Internet Memes Continue Legacy

American actor Chuck Norris marked another birthday as internet memes about his legendary toughness continue to circulate decades after they first emerged. The phenomenon known as "Chuck Norris facts" became a global internet sensation, with jokes like "It's pointless to search for Chuck Norris, he will find you" appearing as the top Google result when users searched his name. While Norris gained initial fame through B-movies in the 1980s, his cultural impact grew exponentially through these internet memes, which portray him as an invincible figure capable of impossible feats. The wave of Chuck Norris jokes has persisted for years, maintaining his relevance in popular culture long after his peak acting career ended.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Slovak Media Celebrates Chuck Norris Internet Meme Phenomenon

Slovak news outlet Dennik N published a collection of 25 jokes and facts about American actor Chuck Norris, highlighting the enduring popularity of internet memes centered around the action star. The article references the peak of "Chuck Norris mania" when searching his name on Google would yield the joke "It's pointless to search for Chuck Norris, he will find you" as the first result. The publication notes that Norris became more famous through internet culture than through his B and C-grade action films from the 1980s, with the wave of Chuck Norris jokes continuing to this day without interruption.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Slovak Researcher Exposes Artists' Collaboration with Nazi Regime During World War II

A Slovak researcher has revealed the extent of artistic collaboration with the Nazi regime during World War II, challenging the traditional view of writers and artists as moral guardians of the nation. Peter Getting's research demonstrates that many cultural figures were 'merely mirrors of the nation' rather than its conscience, reflecting society's broader complicity with fascist authorities. Even 80 years after the end of World War II, Getting argues that the issue of artistic collaboration continues to be suppressed and defended, preventing a full reckoning with Slovakia's wartime cultural history. The findings shed new light on how intellectuals and artists navigated the moral compromises demanded by the Nazi-aligned Slovak State, which existed from 1939 to 1945 under the leadership of Jozef Tiso.

SME
|
Culture

Former Culture Minister Says Arts Support Fund Collapsing Amid Reform Failures

Former culture minister Marek Maďarič from Smer-SD, Slovakia's main opposition social-democratic party, warned that the Arts Support Fund is collapsing. The criticism comes as current officials from the Slovak National Party (SNS), a nationalist party in the ruling coalition, face blame for a failed reform of the fund. Meanwhile, current deputy culture minister Michelko is seeking alternative financing for festivals and magazines. The Arts Support Fund serves as Slovakia's primary mechanism for distributing state funding to cultural projects, festivals, and artistic initiatives across the country.

Dennik N
|
Culture

Slovak journalism awards recognize top authors at Ikariáda ceremony

The Ikariáda awards ceremony honored Slovakia's most successful journalists and authors, with Jana Pronská named as the most successful author of the year. Among the recipients was Jakub Filo, deputy editor-in-chief of SME, one of Slovakia's leading daily newspapers. The Ikariáda awards recognize excellence in Slovak journalism and media, celebrating outstanding contributions to the country's press landscape.

SME
|