“Folk traditions are the key to our very essence. They define our nation, our identity, which enriches the world. It is our duty to preserve them and pass them on to future generations. If we were to lose this key, we would lose ourselves, and the soul of Slovakia would fade into oblivion...”
With these words, the author of the idea behind Slovak Folk Costume Day, Mária Reháková, opened the seventh edition of this unique event, which has become one of Slovakia’s symbols. The crowd of nearly twenty thousand gathered at SNP Square in Banská Bystrica responded with enthusiastic applause. Admirers of Slovak traditions from all over the country gathered in Banská Bystrica, a city now widely recognized as the capital of Slovak folklore. With 1,200 performers and many more guests, the city at the foot of the Urpín mountain was filled with a unique atmosphere, blending pride with humility and respect for this precious heritage passed down by our ancestors in the form of folk costumes, songs, and dances.
A program full of surprises
This year's Slovak Folk Costume Day was special as it featured performances from groups from Romania and Serbia for the first time. Another novelty was a showcase of folk crafts by artisans whose products are not just everyday items but also meet high artistic standards in addition to their practicality. Slovak Folk Costume Day also paid tribute to Karol Plicka, an artist who was the first in the world to recognize the extraordinary beauty of Slovak folk traditions and immortalize them in his timeless work. During the seventh edition of the event, a postage stamp with the Slovak Folk Costume Day motif was unveiled to the public, issued by Slovak Post for the occasion. Attendees included representatives of the Slovak government, along with President Peter Pellegrini, a native of Banská Bystrica. “I wear the folk costume with immense pride and respect for our roots,” said the president, adding, “I realize its immense significance for our history and our sovereignty. It is also one of the pillars of our national identity.”
The program showcased unique folk costumes
Peter Závodský (TBS) with Mária Reháková and Slovak MoI State Secretary Lucia Kurilovská and her daughter.
Traditional crafts were also present in Banská Bystrica.
CEO and chairman of the Board of Kooperatíva pojisťovňa-Vienna Insurance Group Vladimír Bakeš with his wife.
Slovak Minister of Economy Denisa Saková with Mária Reháková, Hyza production director Blažej Bodnár, and Hyza executive director Jiří Šavrda.
Grand finale of the event
Host Simona Simanová, Slovak Post Director Vladislav Kupka, and Mária Reháková.
Hyza Executive Director Jiří Šavrda, Mária Reháková, and chairman of the COOP Jednota Board Ján Bilinský.
Slovak Folk Costume Day brought dance to the Banská Bystrica square.
Mária Reháková and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini.
