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DIET AND CUISINE

Among the most popular Slovak foods are rezen (breaded steak) and potatoes, as well as other kinds of meat served with potatoes, rice, dumplings, or pasta and sauce. Some sweet dishes, such as prune dumplings, are served as part of the main course. The national dish is bryndzové halušky (small potato dumplings, similar to gnocchi, served with sheep's cheese), but it is not eaten often at home. Freshly baked bread and soup are important parts of the diet. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese and butter, are widely available. Fresh fruits (especially apples, plums and grapes) are abundant, and imported bananas and oranges are also popular. Potatoes, cabbage and carrots are the most frequently eaten vegetables. Popular desserts include koláč (nut or poppy-seed rolls) and torta (cake).

Breakfast consists of bread and rolls, sliced meat or sausage, and cheese. The main meal is traditionally eaten in the middle of the day and commonly includes soup, meat, dumplings or potatoes, and a vegetable. A lighter meal of cold meats, cheese, and bread is eaten in the evening. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are common. Families usually eat together at weekends, but not always on weekdays. Before eating, the head of the household says Dobrú chut' (the equivalent of “Enjoy your meal”), and others at the table respond with the same. Both hands are kept above the table, but elbows do not rest on it. A plate of freshly baked bread is often served before the meal.

Rural Slovaks might serve friends or relatives slanina (home-smoked bacon) and bread, as well as a drink such as homemade slivovica (plum brandy), or beer, coffee or tea. Urban hosts tend to serve chips, nuts and wine rather than something homemade. On special occasions, a tray of ham, cheese, eggs, vegetables and sweets may be served. An empty cup or glass will be refilled, so guests leave a little bit of drink when they have had enough.

When guests are present, women typically serve the meal; it is not unusual to serve a meal for the guest alone. Slovaks toast by saying Na zdravie (“To your health”) on both formal and informal occasions.

In a restaurant it is common to drink beer, wine, soft drinks or mineral water during the meal and a small cup of coffee after it. Milk is considered a children's drink. Water is not provided unless it is requested.

RECREATION

Football, ice hockey, skiing and tennis are the most popular sports in Slovakia. Other forms of recreation include walking, camping, swimming, and attending local festivals, cinemas, cultural events and art exhibitions.

Slovaks take special pride in their folk music and sing with enthusiasm at gatherings; the saying Kde Slovák, tam spev means “Wherever there is a Slovak, there is a song”. Folk art is also appreciated and is often given to foreign visitors as a gift. It is available mostly in specialist shops, because few people carry on the old traditions of embroidery and woodcarving.

Many Slovaks spend weekends or vacations in the Tatra Mountains, at health spas, or in the countryside. Increasing numbers are now travelling to other countries in Europe.

Impromptu visits are common among family and close friends, although the working day starts early, so most visits conclude before 11pm. Refreshments are usually offered to visitors, and it is courteous to politely decline the offer before eventually accepting. When invited to someone’s home it is customary to bring a bottle of alcohol or an odd number of flowers, which are presented unwrapped. Guests are expected to remove hats and sometimes their shoes (slippers may be provided) upon entering a home.

HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS

Holidays include Sylvester's Day (New Year's Eve; December 31), New Year's Day (which is also Independence Day; January 1), Easter, and Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (July 5), which honours the two saints who introduced Christianity to the region and developed the Cyrillic alphabet used by several Slavic languages (though not Slovak). Slovak National Uprising Day (August 29) commemorates the 1944 rebellion against the Nazis. Constitution Day is on September 1. Christmas is the most celebrated holiday. Children receive gifts of confectionery, fruit, and nuts on the Feast of Saint Nicholas (December 6). A typical Christmas Eve supper includes mushroom soup, fish, peas, prunes and pastries. Following the meal, the tree is decorated and gifts are exchanged. Christmas Day (December 25) is celebrated with family gatherings and a festive meal. Church attendance on Christmas Day is also traditional.

Birthdays are celebrated as family events, whereas name days (the feast day of the saint after whom one is named) are occasions for parties among friends or colleagues, and are usually more important than birthdays.