CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Slovaks like to keep their cultural traditions alive, especially their folklore. In each region, there are groups in traditional clothes who play regional music and dance. A special part of men’s traditional clothing is handmade leather shoes called “krpce” and a big leather belt like what the Slovak national hero Juraj Jánošík used to wear.

Special musical instruments include:

• Fujara – a long shepherd’s flute with colorful decorations.
• Cimbal – a kind of string instrument played by hitting the strings.

There are many typical Slovak restaurants serving traditional Slovak food. The most
common dish is “Bryndzové halušky,” which is like dumplings with sheep cheese and fried bacon on top.

Other special foods include:

• Pirohy – small dumplings with different fillings.
• Makové slíže – noodles with poppy seeds, melted butter, and sugar.

Popular drinks include:

“Slivovica” (plum brandy), “Borovička” (juniper gin), and beer.
There are also non-alcoholic drinks, like “žinčica,” which is a type of sour milk from sheep.

On Easter Monday, there’s a unique tradition that might seem strange to foreigners. It
involves pouring cold water on girls and gently hitting/whipping them with willow
branches/whips. This is believed to bring strength and good health to the girls for the rest of the year.

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

• Peter Sagan is a three-time world champion in road cycling.
• Petra Vlhová is a world-class ski racer.
• Štefan Banič was a Slovak inventor who invented the parachute in 1914.

WHAT ARE SLOVAKS LIKE?

Many Slovaks believe they are friendly, family-oriented, modest, hardworking, willing to help
others, and skillful. They can repair their cars themselves, fix a leaking roof, decorate their
apartments, and even build their houses. They are also very hospitable and treat their guests kindly and generously.

ECONOMY

The economy in Slovakia consists of 3 sectors: industry, agriculture, and tourism.

INDUSTRY

The car industry is the key sector of the Slovakian economy. Currently, there are four car
factories:

• Volkswagen Slovakia in Bratislava
• Peugeot Citroën in Trnava
• Kia Motors in Žilina
• Jaguar Land Rover in Nitra

Other industries include the food industry, chemical industry, paper industry, and rubber
industry.

AGRICULTURE

The most significant agricultural sectors/branches are:

• Pig breeding, sheep farming, cattle ranching, and poultry farming.
• Cultivation of crops such as wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, and vegetables.

TOURISM

Slovakia attracts tourists with its rich historical monuments and amazing landscapes. There
are lots of old castles, ruins, and interesting places to see.

QUESTION TIME
PART 3

1. What customs and traditions are Slovaks proud of?
2. Can you list some unique musical instruments?
3. What is included in traditional Slovak cuisine?
4. Can you describe any unusual traditions that are observed on Easter Monday?
5. Which famous Slovak personalities do you consider to be good role models?
6. How do Slovaks usually present themselves?
7. Could you provide some facts about the Slovak economy?

SIGHTSEEING

There are many interesting places worth visiting. For example:

• VLKOLÍNEC: This village displays typical folklore architecture, and in this open-air museum, tourists can see how people lived in the past. It is included on the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites.
• Castles: Spiš Castle, the largest medieval castle in Central Europe, is included on UNESCO’s list. Other notable castles include Orava Castle, Bojnice Castle, Trenčín Castle, Zvolen Castle, Nitra Castle, Krásna Hôrka, Bratislava Castle, and more.
• The Gothic Wooden Church of All Saints in Tvrdošín is also on the UNESCO list.
• Caves: Dobšinská Ice Cave, Demanovská Cave, Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, Domica Cave, and others.
• National parks and protected regions: Slovak Paradise, the High Tatras National Park, the Low Tatras, and others. These areas are suitable for hiking, biking, and winter sports.
• Water parks: Oravice, Bešeňová, Aquacity Poprad, and Tatralandia. Their thermal healing waters help cure and rejuvenate our bodies.
• The town of Levoča – here, you can find the world’s largest wooden altar. It was made by Master Paul in the 16th century.

BRATISLAVA – The Capital of Slovakia Bratislava

Bratislava is the political, cultural, social, and business center of the country.
Here are some places worth visiting:

• Bratislava Castle: This iconic landmark resembles an upside-down table.
• St. Martin’s Cathedral: Constructed in the 13th century in the Gothic style, it’s where former Hungarian kings and queens were crowned.
• Grassalkovich Palace: This functions as the president’s residence.
• Nový Most / New Bridge: An elevator takes you to the bridge’s top, where you’ll find the UFO café offering an incredible panoramic view of the city.
• Michael’s Gate
• Devín Castle

Bratislava is also nicknamed “the student city” due to its universities, such as:

• Comenius University
• Economic University
• Slovak Technical University

QUESTION TIME
PART 4

1. Which places are on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List?
2. What places would you recommend to nature lovers to visit, and why?
3. Name some water parks with therapeutic thermal waters.
4. Which towns in Slovakia are definitely worth seeing?
5. How would you promote the capital of Slovakia?
6. Do you believe Slovakia is an appealing/attractive tourist destination?
7. Are you proud of being Slovak? If so, why?