| January 1 celebrates not only the New Year, but
also the creation of the independent Slovak Republic in 1993. It is a day
filled with national and family festivities.
Easter, which falls in March or April, is the most
important day in the Catholic calendar. Many Slovaks observe the forty
days of Lent before Easter by giving up something, such as a favourite
food, to show their devotion to Christ. They also follow the tradition
of painting Easter eggs, called kraslice. Some Easter customs come
from pre-Christian spring festivals. In some regions, young men weave willow
twigs and gently whip girls with them. They may also drench girls with
buckets of water. |
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| May Day is International Labour Day. During the
Communist regime, it was a day of parades. Today, in some villages, folk
traditions have been revived and May Day has become a celebration of springtime
and lovers. Some young men bring decorated maypoles to the doorstep of
their sweethearts as a sign of their affection.
The Slovak National Uprising in 1944 against the
Nazi German government is commemorated on August 29. It is a day to remember
those who have fallen in war. |
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Did you know? |
| The
most famous folk festival is the Vychodná Folk Festival in the central
part of the Slovak Republic. Visitors can see authentic folk costumes and
dances throughout the summer. |
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| The Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows is celebrated
on September 15. The Virgin Mary is normally depicted with seven daggers
in her heart, representing the seven sorrows she suffered for her son,
Jesus Christ. These are: the prophecy of her son's death, the flight into
Egypt, the loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, the moment when Mary
met Jesus carrying His Cross, the Crucifixion, Mary's acceptance of Jesus'
body after the Crucifixion and Jesus' burial. It is a sad occasion, but
one that teaches dignity and charity in the face of sadness. |
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| On November 1, All Saints Day, Slovaks acknowledge
the contribution of all the saints in the Catholic faith. People attend
church and pray to a saint for help and protection.
A Slovak Christmas is a festive event, which
includes the preparation of a variety of special dishes. Gifts are exchanged
and the tree is decorated on Christmas Eve. Slovaks light a candle at the
dinner table to help the Wise Men find their way to the manger of the baby
Jesus. |
|
Did you know? |
| During
Christmas Eve dinner in the country, people save food for carol-singers
and visitors. Peasants used to take a little of each Christmas dish and
give it to the domestic animals. |
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| January 1 |
New Year's
Day, Independence Day |
| January 6 |
Epiphany |
| March or April |
Good Friday,
Easter Monday |
| May 1 |
International
Labour Day |
| July 5 |
Saints Cyril
and Methodius |
| August 29 |
Slovak National
Uprising of 1944 |
| September 1 |
Constitution
Day |
| September 15 |
The Virgin
Mary of the Seven Sorrows |
| November 1 |
All Saints
Day |
| December 24,
25 |
Christmas |
| December 26 |
St. Stephen's
Day |
|
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