Festivals and Events in Slovakia
You’ll find traditional Slovakian festivals warming the people’s hearts in every corner of Slovakia year-round. You can’t describe a traditional festival of Slovakia. You really have to see it to believe it. In the summer you’ll find the Folklore festivals, the most famous being the Vychodna and Datva festivals. Wherever in Slovakia you are going, make sure you check the local calendar for events.
The Slovakia Christmas Market festival takes place in Bratislava in November and December. This special festival of Slovakia is made complete with live entertainment, traditional Slovakian foods, and plenty of fine hand-made folk crafts for sale. This is a great way to celebrate Christmas the Slovakian way! A truly unique celebration.
The Slovakian International Film Festival takes place in Bratislava in December. This is a Slovakian winter event and is a great draw for both locals and tourists. Films from all over Europe and the world come to Slovakia and are judged based upon category. Europe makes some of the best, most unique films, and it really is worth seeing.
Slovakia’s New Year’s Celebration takes place in Bratislava on December 31st. Old Town Bratislava is transformed into one big party with live Slovakian performers, musicians, and vendors. When you ring in the New Year in Slovakia, you’re really in for a treat! The celebration is incredibly unique and inspiring, getting you off on the right foot for January 1st!
There’s also the Orthodox Christmas in Slovakia which takes place January 7th. This is the day in Slovakia for attending special services in any city’s Orthodox cathedrals. Mass on this day is often very long, but powerful and inspiring. People who rarely attend church will come on this day, and foreign tourists are fully welcome to attend and partake.
The Slovakian Romany Festival Ternipen is an exciting array of Gypsy music, both authentic and stylized, and modern music as well. It’s held in September, and is the largest music festival in all of Slovakia. Professional and amateur Slovakian Gypsy groups present songs and dances, and many other cultural activities are available. Also, don’t miss the traditional Romany food!