History

The Slovaks are descendants of a Slavic people who settled near the Danube between 400 and 500 AD. In 7th century a Frankish merchant named Samo organized these tribes into a kingdom this also included tribes from various parts of central Europe.

In the early 9th century, Slavic tribes of two different principalities, Morava and Nitra,were united by a Slavic chief known as Mojmír I and ruled as the Empire of Great Moravia. In the beginning of the 10th century, Magyar tribes from Hungary invaded the region and conquered the empire. Hungary ruled in different forms, for nearly 1,000 years.

In the 15th century a period of religious wars began in the Czech regions of Bohemia and Moravia. The Czech nobles fled the violence and settled in southern Slovakia, where they ruled for 15 years. In 1526 the Ottomans defeated Hungary at the Battle of Mohács and took over most of Hungary. While large parts of Hungary was under Ottoman domination, Slovakia and the remaining parts of Hungary were under the control of the Habsburg dynasty. Slovakia became the center of Hungarian culture and politics, with Bratislava as the Habsburg capital.

While under Hungarian rule, Slovaks were pressured to give up their language and cultural identity. Mainly rural, landless peasants, the Slovaks had little economic status and virtually no role in the political life of Hungary.

During the 18th century, a Slovak national movement was founded with the aim of nurturing the national identity of Slovak people. Led mainly by Slovak religious leaders, the movement expanded during the 19th century. The codification of a Slovak literary language was established by Anton Bernolák and the reform of this language was later on continued by L’udovít Štúr a Slovak philosopher and patriot. But a large Slovak national movement did not emerge until the 20th century.

Slovak culture has been developed through folk tradition, as well as from other European nations influence. Folk arts and crafts, such as wood carving, fabric weaving, and glass painting, have been long established in tradition
of Slovaks, mainly in rural areas.

Culture

The younger generation of Slovakia is mostly well traveled and educated, therefore they have knowledge of other languages such as German, English and French. As with the older generation and people living in rural areas despite the language barrier they will gladly help out with directions if you are lost. As with any other country the knowledge of a few Slovak words is always appreciated. Slovaks are very articulate and talk a lot. They think highly of family values As Slovak language is related to other Slav languages, this enables them to understand the Czech language as it is very similar.

The traditional Slovak cuisine has been influenced mainly by Hungarian, Austrian and German cuisine. Slovaks like to start their meal with a bowl of soup. It warms them up on the cold winter days. Slovak cooking consists of mostly meat of any variety, potatoes, rice and vegetables. Mainly in rural areas people still grow they own vegetables and fruits and keep domestic animals. Many families during the winter months process a pig at their own home - this is called zabyjacka. Catering for vegetarians is becoming popular, especially in restaurants, but you will only find limited dishes.

The favorite fish in Slovakia is carp which is widely available especially before Christmas. Slovaks celebrate Christmas on Christmas eve. The traditional dinner consists of a carp with potato, fish soup or cabbage soup called kapustnica. Easter is celebrated in a rather strange but amusing way. The tale states that for the girls to flourish and be beautiful again after the dull winter months, the boys have to wash them with fresh spring water, In return the girls have to offer them food and drink. Of course the water part has been replaced with cheap perfumes but the food and drink stayed.

Slovaks enjoyed drinking mainly spirits made of plum called Slivovica and genuine brandy called Borovicka. Slovakia has some excellent beer such as Saris, Smadny Mnich and Zlaty Bazant. There is some wine production in Slovakia.