Slovak newspaper SME published an editorial cartoon titled 'Let Us Pray' by artist Mikuláš Sliacky. Editorial cartoons in Slovak media typically comment on current political or social events through satirical illustration, though the specific subject matter of this particular cartoon was not detailed in the source material.
Tereza Oľhová, a Slovak writer and screenwriter, expressed concern about her father Matúš Oľha's appointment to the board of the Arts Support Fund (FPU) in autumn 2024. The daughter said she anticipated the appointment would not end well, despite the family having recently experienced their best period of reconciliation in years. The appointment appears to have created tension between the writer and her father, highlighting potential conflicts within Slovak cultural institutions.
Slovak media outlets are revisiting the cultural significance of the 1991 film Thelma & Louise, highlighting how audiences cheered when the protagonists confronted abusive men during cinema screenings. The film, which followed two women on a crime spree across the American Southwest, became a feminist touchstone that sparked both celebration and controversy upon its release. The retrospective also notes how the movie served as Brad Pitt's star-making role, establishing him as a major Hollywood sex symbol and launching his career as one of cinema's leading actors.
A popular Bratislava food establishment called Petržalské langoše has entertained its followers by sharing a collection of the most bizarre and amusing comments from customers on social media. The shop, which serves langoše - a traditional Slovak fried flatbread typically topped with garlic, cheese, or other ingredients - compiled the humorous customer remarks as social media content. The post appears to have resonated with the establishment's fan base in the Petržalka district, one of Bratislava's largest residential areas known for its panel housing estates built during the communist era.
The city of Liptovský Mikuláš commemorated the Slovak National Demands, the first comprehensive political program of the Slovak people. City residents and officials gathered symbolically at the monument to the Slovak National Demands located in the Liptovská Ondrašová district of the city. The Slovak National Demands, formulated in 1848, represented the first unified political platform articulating Slovak national aspirations during the revolutionary period in the Habsburg Empire. The document called for Slovak language rights, cultural autonomy, and political representation, marking a crucial moment in Slovak national awakening.
The Christiania bookstore in Poprad has closed after more than three decades of operation. The closure is attributed to consolidation pressures in the bookselling industry and changing reading habits among customers. The bookstore's closure marks the end of a long-standing cultural institution in the Spiš region city, which serves as a gateway to the High Tatras mountains in northern Slovakia.
Slovak journalist Jakub Gulík conducted an interview with Petros Michopulos, a Czech political commentator from the podcast "Kecy a politika" (Talk and Politics), covering topics ranging from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to regional Central European politics. The wide-ranging discussion touched on Slovak political resilience, Hungarian electoral dynamics, and Czech parliamentary proceedings, reflecting the interconnected nature of political commentary across the Visegrád Group countries. The interview represents part of ongoing cross-border political dialogue among Central European media personalities and commentators.
The creators of the upcoming Slovak film "Bojovník" (Fighter) have released the official trailer for the mixed martial arts-themed movie. The film will feature real MMA stars including Czech light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka, Slovak fighter David Kozma, and Czech promoter Ondřej Novotný, along with many other figures from the sport. The movie represents Slovakia's entry into the growing genre of MMA-themed cinema, capitalizing on the sport's rising popularity in Central Europe.
The Nitra Gallery will host a week-long cultural program featuring educational workshops, exhibitions, and musical performances. Educational activities for schools are scheduled for Thursday, May 21, alongside a creative workshop for children called "Pastelkovo: Tree House." The Nitra Gallery, one of Slovakia's regional cultural institutions, regularly organizes such events to engage local communities and promote arts education.
Modra Castle in western Slovakia is hosting several cultural events during the second week of May, including a recently opened exhibition by artist Martina Michnicová. Visitors can also participate in regular ceramic workshops with Ilur and attend a discussion focused on creating safe spaces for diverse communities. The castle, located in the wine-making town of Modra in the Bratislava Region, serves as a cultural center offering various artistic and educational programs throughout the year.
Only two banks have distanced themselves from the controversial Kamenický Theater project, according to recent developments. The state has been criticized for producing problematic policies at others' expense rather than implementing systematic solutions to underlying issues. The theater project appears to have become a contentious issue involving financial institutions, though the specific nature of the controversy and which banks withdrew their involvement remains part of ongoing discussions about state policy approaches.
Slovakia is experiencing systematic dismantling of cultural institutions, centers, festivals, and international projects, drawing concern from observers abroad. The closures and funding cuts are affecting well-established cultural initiatives across the country, creating what critics describe as a hostile atmosphere for the arts. While some of the cultural sector's difficulties can be attributed to political revenge and attempts to silence dissenting voices, the broader pattern reflects a society where art is not considered an integral part of public life. The cultural purge has prompted questions from international partners about the dramatic changes occurring in Slovakia's cultural landscape.
ASTORKA Korzo '90 theatre, operated under the Bratislava Self-Governing Region, successfully represented Slovakia at a performance in Prague, receiving enthusiastic audience acclaim. The theatre, which operates under regional government administration, once again confirmed its exceptional position on the theatrical landscape. The Prague audience responded with repeated calls of "Bravo, Astorka!" following the performance, highlighting the theatre's continued reputation for high-quality productions beyond Slovakia's borders.
The village of Hrabské commemorated the 50th anniversary of the death of Blessed Vasil Hopko, a Greek Catholic bishop who became a martyr under Slovakia's former communist regime. Blessed Vasil Hopko was a prominent figure in the Greek Catholic Church in Slovakia, one of the country's recognized religious minorities that follows Eastern Christian traditions while maintaining communion with Rome. He suffered persecution during the communist era, when religious leaders faced imprisonment, harassment, and worse for their faith and opposition to the atheist state ideology that dominated Czechoslovakia from 1948 to 1989.
The historic Slovak town of Kremnica is preparing to publish its first comprehensive monograph documenting the city's history. Officials plan to complete the project by 2028 and print 2,500 copies of the historical work. Kremnica, known for its medieval gold mining heritage and centuries-old mint, has never before had a complete scholarly book dedicated to its municipal history spanning from its founding to the present day.
Bratislava will host its 13th annual book festival, BRaK, from May 27-31, 2026, returning to the city center after previous editions. The five-day literary event will take place primarily at Main Square and Franciscan Square, along with nearby venues throughout the historic district. The festival's theme "We Need to Talk..." will guide programming designed for both general audiences and literary professionals, featuring literature discussions and artistic presentations.
A travel feature highlights Naples as a spring destination, emphasizing the city's unique combination of urban energy and the dormant Mount Vesuvius volcano. The piece promotes visiting during spring when locals gather at harbors and the gardens of nearby Pompeii are in bloom, showcasing nature's resilience. The feature describes Naples as the heart of southern Italy, where coffee tastes more intense beneath Vesuvius and underground explorations reveal ancient secrets spanning millennia.
Hana Dvorská, a 66-year-old Slovak stuntwoman, continues her demanding career despite having a brain tumor, a pacemaker, and a surgically repaired knee. The veteran performer trains people three times a week starting at 6:45 AM and practices her craft about five hours daily while appearing in Czech and Hollywood films. Dvorská says she plans to retire when she turns 80, joking that she must keep working until then. She emphasizes that modern stunt work is much safer than in the past, with professionals avoiding senseless risks through careful preparation and safety protocols.
Denis Kováč, co-founder of one of Slovakia's most popular podcasts "Mozgová atletika" (Brain Athletics), attributes his personal and professional development to quality literature that has shaped his worldview. The podcast aims to improve critical thinking and increase public awareness among Slovak audiences. Kováč has built his media venture around knowledge and inspiration drawn from books, which he says have left lasting impressions that formed his current personality and approach to information sharing.
Registration has opened for Photomarathon Bratislava 2026, a photography competition taking place as part of the Good Market initiative in Slovakia's capital. The event's website is now accepting entries for both the main photomarathon competition and an associated project called "Hang Up Your Photo." The photomarathon represents part of Bratislava's broader cultural programming, combining artistic competition with the city's market activities.