Colors of Kosice - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Kosice has very distinctive culture. Its music, religious and culinary traditions differ with an abundance of interesting customs. Despite the fact that the period of the Hungarian rule had a significant influence on the national culture, locals managed to keep their own traditions that cause the admiration of travelers these days. During celebrations there are always colorful musical performances. It is believed that folk songs helped to keep the Slovak language, as they were performed for many centuries. There are also unique musical instruments in Kosice, including a special kind of flute, fujarah, a small bagpipe, gajdy, and shepherd’s horn, koncovka. Many centuries ago, they were main instruments of folk musicians.

Speaking of the religious customs of the citizens, it is worth to mention their respect to the religion. A significant part of the national holidays is religious in nature; almost all celebrations are usually celebrated in a family circle. In honor of big festive events interesting folk festivals are arranged, it would be interesting for foreign tourists to take part in them.

One of the main objects of local’s pride is the native language. Many tourists are confused and compare it with Czech, but any resident of Kosice would certainly say that his language is unique and unlike any other. Many townspeople are fluent in foreign languages, but prefer to communicate using their own exclusively. If a foreign tourist will try to say a few phrases in Slovak, the indigenous population would be delighted and the question of how to win new friends would be solved at once. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Culinary traditions also have a special national shade; local cuisine in many ways resembles a traditional European one. The main meal is lunch, so, going to a restaurant for a dinner, don’t be surprised with modest selection of dishes. During the day, visitors are offered a huge selection of meat and vegetarian dishes, traditional dumplings and omelets, but a dinner is limited with cold snacks. Despite the fact that the city and its surroundings have world famous breweries, local residents said that the national drink is wine. Pubs and bars are very popular among residents and visitors; in evenings there are crowds of visitors there.

One of the most famous Slovakian festivals is the Biela Noc. At first, it is held in the capital of the country (at the end of September), and in early October, it finally reaches Košice. This is a real feast of light, which livens the night up and attracts visitors with its bright colors. Besides the magnificent illumination, on the central streets of Kosice, passers-by have a chance to listen to wonderful music that perfectly complements the play of light. It has to be said that sightseeing is especially exciting at this time. This triumph of light is highly recommended to those tourists who prefer to combine getting aesthetic enjoyment with satisfying cultural needs.

On the first weekend of May, Kosice celebrates its birthday. The holiday is timed to the founding of the city on May 7, 1369. By the way, this is the first city in the whole of Europe, which was granted the opportunity to have its own coat of arms - this is what makes the Slovak city remarkable. At this time, the central streets of Kosice are filled with fun extravaganza, handicraft fairs, a colorful parade and medieval performances, including tournaments between people dressed as knights. Along with that, the city is perfect for sightseeing at this time - all thanks to the marathon, which tourists can take part in. The race starts on the main streets and passes through the city's most beautiful places - Jakabov Palác, Dóm Svätej Alžbety, Spievajúca Fontána.

The beginning of June is marked by holding the Use the City Art Festival. The venue is the same - the city's central streets where all comers are invited to watch colorful theatrical performances from the best street artists of Europe. Performances, readings, original forms of theatrical productions, art exhibitions - all this and much more can be found during the festival. Despite the fact that the fest was launched relatively recently, it has already managed to win fans among both locals and tourists, demonstrating Košice as a modern city.

The city hosts two festivals dedicated to gastronomy: the Gurmán Fest is held at the beginning of the first month of summer, and in early September, the Košické Slávnosti Vína takes the baton. The first event is held in Mestský Park Košice, where the best chefs prepare food for visitors trying to show all their skills. Well, of course, those who attend the festival at this time can enjoy the tastings of masterfully prepared dishes. Besides the gastronomic program, there are musical and theatrical ones. None of the above-mentioned gastronomic festivals can do without street parties and public festivities. The second fest is aimed at demonstrating Slovakian winemaking traditions. A wide selection of domestic and foreign wines is presented to visitors in bars and restaurants, as well as in the city’s cultural institutions — Košice's historic sights.