Colors of Bratislava - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Local people have great respect for traditions of the past. Devotion to customs and culture of their ancestors can be easily seen in almost all spheres of life. During numerous national holidays and fairs you can always see the local people wearing in their national costumes in the streets of the city. Old Slovak music is an essential part of any celebration. Of course it’s completely impossible to imagine any celebration without delicious food of all possible types. Bratislava is still home to craftsmen who sew national clothes and shoes. They make attractive traditional souvenirs exactly the way their ancestors did many years ago.

Culinary traditions of the city are full of kind and warm rituals. It is worth noting that many national dishes, which have been prepared for centuries by the locals for various holidays, may seem to be true delicacies to visitors. Previously roast venison with cranberry sauce was the most popular delicacy of the region. However, today you can try it despite the season as the dish is served in all luxury restaurants of the city as the best national delicacy.

Hospitality and good nature of local residents are definitely worth a separate mentioning. Serious attitude to religion remains one of distinctive features of their character. Even local children are perfectly familiar with the local religious traditions and regularly visit churches and cathedrals with their parents. The majority of residents adhere to Catholic religion, but their attitude to other religions can be described no other way than restrained. They will never criticize the customs of people of another culture, but will never tolerate criticism towards their beliefs. Any awkward word about the local customs and lifestyle of the citizens of the city can really hurt them. However, they will not show this because of their restrained and patient character. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Tourists, who visited Bratislava at least once, are usually delighted with rich choice of various national souvenirs. The first desire, which is typical for majority of travelers, is to buy as many souvenirs as possible, because the local crafts are very beautiful and have a striking individuality because they are mostly hand-made. Decorated Easter eggs are, without a doubt, an interesting souvenir that can be purchased at any time of year in many souvenir shops. Figures and pictures from the grains are one more popular souvenir. In Bratislava even children can make amazing crafts from this material. Housewives prefer to stock up finest cloth and pottery from their trip to Bratislava. The local pottery makes dishes cooked in it particularly delicious and fragrant. Figaro chocolate is a no less interesting souvenir. The chocolate is manufactured at the local candy factory. It will definitely appeal to all fans of sweets.

The capital of Slovakia is an attractive place for those preferring colorful and original festivals. Here you can witness a lot of interesting events that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. For example, Bratislava pre všetkých, which is usually scheduled for the end of April. This is an event during which many cultural institutions open their doors so that everybody could visit them for free. They include numerous museums, art galleries, botanical gardens, a zoological garden, Apponyi Palace, Bratislava's old dungeons at Saint James's Chapel. In addition, there are free guided tours around Bratislava, and along the roads, you can see old modes of transport.

At the end of May, a very original and colorful festival is held here - Rothenstein. This is a historical event taking place in the town of Pezinok located near Bratislava in a place called Hrad Červený Kameň. The festival is open to all fans of the era when knights fought in tournaments to win the hearts of beautiful ladies. The program prepared for the event is sure to impress even the most demanding spectators - medieval music, tournaments (horse and foot), buhurts, historical events reconstructions, fire show, a gastronomic program, and performances by falconers. You can see professionals from all over Europe as participants.

In mid-June, arriving in the capital of Slovakia, you can attend another original event. It's about a ceremony reconstructing the coronation of Maria Theresa, one of the most popular rulers. A similar tradition is held in Hungary and Austria. This is the time of theatrical performances, church music concerts, divine services, as well as interesting games and competitions. The central streets of the Slovak capital serve as the primary venue. In early September, the Old Town is open for the largest craft fair in Slovakia - ÚĽUV. This is another great chance to get acquainted with the rich local culture and history through the demonstration of traditional crafts.

The end of June in Bratislava is marked by the beginning of the most significant classical music event. We are talking about Viva Musica!. The festival lasts until late August. Venues for the event are various cultural institutions in the city. However, those who think that "this is just another boring event" should take into account that classical music is shown in a non-standard way, and the venues are quite unusual for this kind of festival. At the end of September, you can witness colorful Festival of Light. At this time, Bratislava is illuminated with picturesque installations, which immerses you in the atmosphere of a fairy tale. An amazing spectacle worthy of a visit, so don't miss your chance to see such a beauty!

In mid-September, it's time for beer in Bratislava, namely in the Old Town. 9-day Staromestsky Beerfest invites all those wishing to have a great time to taste different beers. Companies from all over Slovakia and neighboring states present their products here. The program includes fun competitions and tasting of various snacks to a foamy drink. And the beginning of June is marked by holding a gastronomic festival in an unexpected location - Bratislavský hrad. There is a wide selection of tasty food and drinks, as well as musicians entertaining visitors.

Throughout the year, Bratislava holds many original festivals with deep pagan roots and customs dating back to ancient times that cannot be witnessed anywhere else in the world. Thus, two weeks before Easter, you can attend an event known as Vynášanie Moreny, on May 1, the traditional construction of maypoles (tall wooden poles), and on the night of June 23rd to 34th (on the Solstice), it is customary to light the holy lights in order to distract evil spirits. On December 6th, the locals celebrate Mikulash when children can discover pleasant surprises in the form of sweets in the shoes they're cleaning, and December 13th is considered the day of divination due to holding Lucia festival. And, of course, the most colorful holiday that is definitely worth your attention is Mesopȗst taking place in February or March.