Slovakia history
For most of its long history, Slovakia has been under Hungarian rule. In fact, the Hungarians ruled for the next 1000 years, all the way from the 10th Century to 1918. It was only when the Hapsburg-ruled empire collapsed at the end of the First World War that the Slovaks joined the Czech lands of Bohemia, Moravia and part of Silesia and formed a new joint state called Czechoslovakia.
18th – 19th century
Of course, the Slovakian’s had dreamed about independence for decades, not only for political reasons but also to have their own identity. For instance, a group called the Slovak National Revival was formed in 1792, and through them the first periodical in the Slovak language was subsequently published in 1845. Then, in 1867 after the Austro-Hungarian Empire was split into two and became a dual monarchy, the Hungarians tried to transform Slovakia into a Hungarian nation, going as far as making Hungarian the official language to be taught in schools. As a result, many Slovaks emigrated to the United States of America to escape this oppression.
Quick fact!
One of Slovakia’s oldest known artworks is the Venus of Moravany, it is a sculpture of a naked female body, it’s made from mammoth ivory and dates back to 22,000 BC.
1914 – 1969
When the First World War broke out, the Slovaks were most unwilling to fight for the Austrians. In fact, many Slovaks defected and fought against them instead. But finally, the Pittsburgh Declaration was signed and the country became independent.
The 1920s were the years of prosperity for Czechoslovakia. However like the rest of the world the country suffered in the depression of the 1930s. This independence was short-lived. In 1939, Germany occupied Czechoslovakia and although the country became nominally independent, it was basically a German ‘puppet’. Slovakia was only liberated when the Soviets took over in 1945. Slovakia was then able to rejoin and become part of an independent Czechoslovakia once again. Three years later the Communist Party took power and the government was dominated by the Czechs. By 1969, the nation became known as the Slovak Socialist Republic of Czechoslovakia.
1989 – present
Slovakia was under Communist rule for almost 42 years, until 1989 when democratic political reform was introduced under the new President, Vaclav Havel. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing; as Communist power decreased, the nationalist Slovak movement resurfaced and once again the Slovaks and the Czechs were at loggerheads. By the end of 1991, the political leaders were talking about two separate independent states – and this came to fruition in 1992. The Republic of Slovakia came into existence on January the first, 1993. In February of that year, the parliament elected Michal Kovac as President.
Sadly, Slovakia was not accepted as a member of the European Union (EU) or NATO because of its political views, but this all changed in 2004, when Ivan Gasparovic took over as prime minister. Political turmoil continued right up to 2009, when the Smer-Social Democracy Party, headed by Robert Fico returned to power. This was the first time since the country gained its independence in 1993 that a party could govern without having to form a coalition.
In the 21st Century, the country’s economy has improved drastically. Today, Slovakia boasts a population of 5.5 million people.
Slovak language and culture
Culture of Slovakia
Slovak folklore and traditions are influenced by the spirituality and multiculturalism the country has enjoyed during the past few centuries. Located at the heart of the European continent, Slovakia experiences the best of cultural exchange, along with its neighbor countries: Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic.
Music
Church music and instrumental music were the basic means of artistic expression in the Middle Ages, with the first liturgical songs dating back to the 9th century. 18th century music was influenced by the booming culture of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and also by the emerging Romantic Movement encouraged by the Industrial Revolution.
Slovakia is a country with rich folklore, as a result of the fusion between classical and folk styles in the early 19th century. Ján Levoslav Bella (1843-1936) was the first composer whose operas were performed on stage in the Slovak language. The annual Bratislava Music Festival and the Festival of Piest’any offer an excellent opportunity to witness live performances of the country’s renowned orchestras.
Cuisine
The variety of the Slovak cuisine comes from both local and foreign influences. Dishes vary according to the location you’re travelling to, but you’ll notice their ingredients (which generally consist of wheat based foods, pork and dairy) are typical of the bygone days when people used to be self-sufficient.
You can enjoy a plate of cheese-filled dumplings, potato dumplings with sheep’s milk cheese, potato dough pancakes, bread or rice pudding, Segedin Goulash (a traditional Hungarian dish), and also poppy seed rolls. The Slovak cuisine offers a variety of tasty soups, such as Kapustnica (sauerkraut and sausage soup), Fazuľová (which is soup made of beans) and chicken soup with noodles (Rezancová).
Art
Beautiful landscapes and fine cuisine aren’t the only attractions Slovakia is well-known for. If you fancy discovering the country’s cultural and artistic heritage on a free afternoon, there are plenty of galleries and cultural venues you can visit. While in the capital, have a look at the most beautiful works of art in the Bratislava City Gallery and the Slovak National Gallery. The East Slovak Gallery in Košice and the Andy Warhol Museum of Modern Art should also keep you busy for a couple of afternoons.
Languages of Slovakia
Slovak is the official language of Slovakia. Learning foreign languages is definitely part of the culture within Slovakia, with 70% of the population able to speak two or more foreign languages. Czech and English are the two foreign languages that are most widely spoken as a second language in Slovakia.
Basic Slovak words and phrases
Hello – Dobrý deň
Goodbye – Do videnia
Please – Prosím
Thank you – Ďakujem
Yes – Áno
No – Nie
My name is… – Volám sa…
I don’t speak Slovak – nehovorím po slovenský
Slovakia weather
Situated in central-eastern Europe, the small country of Slovakia is at the crossroads of the ‘Temperate and Continental Climate’ zones. Each season has its own distinct characteristics, and the changeover is often quite marked. Summers are generally warm and winters cold in Slovakia. However, heavy snowfall in the mountains makes Slovakia an ideal skiing destination in the winter.
Spring in Slovakia
Spring can be slow to warm up in Slovakia with average lows hovering around freezing in March and April; average highs reach 16°C towards the end of the season. Rain is common but more so in May with the coming of the warmer months. With the weather apt to be changeable, spring travellers should pack a mix of medium weight and lightweight options. An umbrella is advisable.
Summer in Slovakia
Head south for the warmest weather in Slovakia. Summer will be in full swing come the third week of June. While average temperatures reach around 19°C to 21°C, sunny days plus humidity can make it a lot hotter in the lowlands. Expect some warm tropical nights above 20°C. Cotton clothing, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended for keeping cool in summer.
Autumn in Slovakia
Indian summers from September to October are common in Slovakia; ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Expect pleasant weather and dry spells with temperatures of around 14° C in September. By November the thermometer is heading down towards a chilly 1°C. If you’re visiting in autumn pack for the change of season with some warmer items of clothing.
Winter in Slovakia
By December snowfall is common in the mountains while the lowlands, though cold, experience hardly any snow. The winter months have the least rainfall with January and February being the driest of the year. Expect temperatures well below freezing; on average -3°C to -5°C but rarely exceeding -10° C. Layers of woolen clothing, an overcoat and boots are necessary while out and about in winter.
Average temperatures in Bratislava, Kosice and Poprad
Average rainfall in Bratislava, Kosice and Poprad
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