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Last refreshed: 06/06/2026 05:37 · 25 articles added
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Slovak MP František Mikloško to Discuss Faith and Politics in Public Podcast Recording

Denník N will host its first public recording of the Tridsiatnik podcast featuring František Mikloško, a former dissident and current member of Slovakia's National Council. The discussion will explore how Mikloško's Christian faith developed and influenced his political career, including whether he ever doubts his beliefs and how he views non-believers. Mikloško, who was active in the opposition movement against communist rule before 1989, has remained a prominent figure in Slovak politics for decades. The public event represents an opportunity for audience members to engage directly with one of Slovakia's veteran politicians about the intersection of personal faith and public service.

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Culture

Bratislava's ASTORKA Theater Achieves International Success at Czech Festival

The ASTORKA Korzo '90 Theater from Bratislava achieved significant recognition at an international theater festival in the Czech Republic, just days after a successful performance in Prague. The theater, which operates under the administration of the Bratislava Self-Governing Region, participated in the milestone 30th edition of the Setkání/Stretnutie festival in Zlín. The festival appearance represents another international achievement for the Slovak theater company, highlighting its growing reputation on the regional cultural scene.

Culture

Award-winning Slovak musician Pastirčák discusses his passion for sound and film scoring

Jonatán Pastirčák, an acclaimed Slovak composer, spoke about his lifelong fascination with sounds and his work creating music for films including "Otec" (Father) and "Zbormajster" (Choirmaster). The musician revealed that his interest in sound began at an early age, recalling how as a three-year-old he was captivated by the sound of a lawnmower. Pastirčák discussed his creative process and approach to composing scores for these Slovak films, highlighting his journey from childhood sound enthusiast to professional film composer.

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Culture

Piešťany Arts Festival Proceeds Despite Bridge Closure, Features Goran Bregović and 68 Productions

The third edition of the Piešťany Zábaly arts festival is moving forward with 68 productions despite the closure of the town's iconic Kolonádový Bridge. The festival, taking place in the western Slovak spa town of Piešťany, will feature international headliner Goran Bregović, the renowned Balkan musician and composer, alongside an evening theatrical parade and numerous free events. The festival organizers have adapted their programming to work around the bridge closure, which has not deterred the event from proceeding as planned. Piešťany is known for its thermal spas and cultural events, with the Kolonádový Bridge typically serving as a key landmark connecting the spa island to the town center.

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Culture

Slovakia's Major Music Festival Faces Uncertainty Over Airport Venue Contract

The Pohoda music festival, one of Slovakia's largest cultural events, does not have a new contract to continue using Trenčín Airport as its venue. Festival director Michal Kaščák said he cannot imagine organizing the event outside of Trenčín, where it has been held for years. Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák indicated it is questionable whether space will still be available for the festival at the airport facility. The uncertainty threatens the future of the internationally recognized festival, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually to western Slovakia and has become a significant cultural and economic event for the region.

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Culture

Cultural Dominance Shifts from Japan to South Korea in Slovakia, Says Sinologist

South Korea has overtaken Japan as the dominant cultural force from East Asia influencing Slovakia, according to sinologist and writer Dominika Sakmárová. She notes that while Slovaks once learned about the Far East primarily through Japanese manga, Korean culture now holds greater sway. Sakmárová observes that South Korea appears more accessible to Slovak audiences than other distant cultures, describing it as "still exotic for us, but more comfortable, clearer and more polished" compared to Middle Eastern or African cultures. She attributes part of this appeal to Korea's modern technology, which Slovaks often admire. The shift reflects broader global trends in cultural influence, as Korean entertainment, technology, and lifestyle have gained international prominence in recent years.

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Culture

Iron Maiden Concert in Bratislava to Draw 30,000 Fans, Drives Up Hotel Prices and Affects Transport

Iron Maiden will perform in Bratislava as part of their worldwide Run For Your Lives tour, with American thrash metal band Anthrax serving as special guests. The concert is expected to attract 30,000 attendees to the Slovak capital. The major event has already impacted the city's accommodation market, driving up hotel prices significantly. Local authorities have also announced that the concert will require transportation restrictions in the affected area to manage the large crowds expected for the British heavy metal band's performance.

Culture

Film Europe Director Comments on Culture Minister's Cannes Appearance

The director of Film Europe has returned from the Cannes Film Festival with films addressing war, migration, and morality, while making controversial comments about Slovakia's Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová. The director described being photographed with Šimkovičová as "a catastrophe" but acknowledged she remains the country's minister. The comments highlight ongoing tensions surrounding Šimkovičová, who has faced criticism since taking office as part of the current government coalition. Film Europe, a major film distribution company in Central and Eastern Europe, regularly participates in international film festivals to acquire content for regional markets.

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Culture

Slovak Commentary Examines Attention Control as Key Future Skill

A Slovak media analysis has explored the connection between public figures like Donald Trump, Slovak journalist Romana Tabaková, and economist Tomáš Sedláček in their competition for public attention. The commentary argues that the ability to control one's own attention and resist constant distraction from new stimuli represents a crucial competency for the future, as public discourse increasingly becomes dominated by battles for audience engagement.

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Culture

Prešov Scientific Library Completes Major Renovation Worth Over One Million Euros

The Prešov Scientific Library has completed a major reconstruction project that cost more than one million euros. The renovation introduced new technologies and made the facility fully accessible to disabled visitors. The modernization represents a significant upgrade to the library's infrastructure and services in Slovakia's third-largest city.

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Culture

Košice Region Honors Best Books of the Year, Fiction and Local History Publications Win Awards

The Košice Region has announced the winners of its annual literary awards, recognizing the best books published during the year. A panel of expert judges evaluated 45 publications across various categories, with both fiction works and books about Košice itself receiving top honors. The regional government's literary competition highlights the cultural output of Slovakia's second-largest region and promotes local publishing. The awards ceremony celebrates both creative literature and works that contribute to preserving and promoting the history and culture of the Košice area in eastern Slovakia.

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Culture

22nd Viva Musica Festival Begins with International Artists and Regional Expansion

The 22nd edition of the Viva Musica festival has commenced, featuring a diverse program that includes American singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega performing in a cult anti-opera production and the acclaimed Janoska Ensemble. This year's festival is expanding beyond its traditional boundaries, with events planned in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia's Bratislava region. The festival, which has become a significant cultural event in the region, continues to attract international artists and audiences with its eclectic mix of musical performances ranging from classical to contemporary genres.

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Culture

Nitra Plans to Convert Former Lipa Cinema into Cultural Center

The city of Nitra has announced plans to transform the former Lipa cinema building into a cultural center, with the project valued at approximately 1.54 million euros. The initiative represents the city's effort to revitalize a former entertainment venue and create a new cultural hub for residents. Nitra, located in western Slovakia, is the country's fourth-largest city and serves as an important regional center.

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Culture

Bratislava Mayor Demands Clarification on Pohoda Festival Contract Delay

Bratislava Mayor Matúš Vallo's deputy Rybníček has called for a clear statement regarding the Pohoda music festival's relocation to Trenčín, describing the delay in finalizing the contract as a risk. The festival organizers are still waiting for the contract to be signed. Rybníček has requested an explanation from Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok regarding the situation. Pohoda, one of Slovakia's largest music festivals, has been seeking a new venue after previous complications with its traditional location in Trenčín.

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Culture

Cuban Band Orishas to Headline Uprising Festival 2026 in Slovakia

Cuban band Orishas will headline the Uprising festival in 2026, marking their first-ever performance in Slovakia. The Latin Grammy-winning group, considered pioneers of Latin urban music, will bring their explosive blend of Cuban rhythms to Bratislava. Orishas helped establish the Latin urban genre by fusing traditional Cuban music with hip-hop and reggaeton elements, gaining international recognition for their innovative sound that bridges Afro-Cuban traditions with contemporary urban beats.

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Culture

Slovak Podcast Features Discussion on Iran and Hope for Slovakia

A new episode of the Slovak podcast "Kde je sever?" (Where is North?) has been released, featuring economists Ivan Mikloš and Tomáš Roháč discussing Iran and prospects for Slovakia. The podcast episode addresses both international developments regarding Iran and domestic Slovak affairs, exploring potential pathways forward for the country.

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Culture

Louvre Crown Jewels Heist to Be Adapted into Film

A major theft of crown jewels worth 88 million euros from the Louvre museum in Paris will be adapted for the big screen. Director Romain Gavras is developing the film project, which promises a thriller storyline based on a new book about the heist. According to French film industry magazine Le Film Français, the project is currently in the preparation phase, with production details still being finalized.

Culture

Historic Car Train Arrives in Humenné for Cross-Country Tour

A special train carrying historic automobiles arrived in Humenné, a town in eastern Slovakia, marking the beginning of a cross-country tour. The collection includes vintage vehicles spanning more than a century of automotive history, with the oldest car dating back 107 years to 1917. The historic automobiles will travel across Slovakia as part of what appears to be a touring exhibition showcasing automotive heritage.

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Culture

Cycling event From Tatras to Danube begins in Zuberec

A cycling event called "From Tatras to Danube" has begun in Zuberec, a village in northern Slovakia near the Tatra Mountains. The cycling group will travel across Slovakia in five stages, passing through various cities and towns. During the journey, organizers plan educational activities, welcome ceremonies, cultural programs, and personal meetings with local residents in each location.

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Culture

Slovak National Theatre Opera Director Threatens to Resign

The director of the Slovak National Theatre's opera company has threatened to resign, according to reports from the institution's leadership. Theatre Director Zuzana Ťapáková, who presented her annual report covering her first full year leading the Slovak National Theatre, declined to comment on the threatened departure. The Slovak National Theatre serves as the country's premier cultural institution, encompassing opera, ballet, and drama companies. Ťapáková's leadership has overseen the institution during a period when internal tensions appear to be affecting key artistic personnel.

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