Through the eyes of Nathalie, a Tennessee native, Slovak-descendant who was recently awarded Citizenship By Descent.
Nothing will give you a more authentic taste of Eastern Slovak culture than attending Catholic Mass in the quaint town of Lendak!
Having the experience to attend Sunday service in a town where the religion is such a vital pillar of the community is something you will never forget. Inside the church, not one seat was left empty for the 10am mass. In fact, attending mass is so popular in Lendak that up to 6 services are held every Sunday, and a second Catholic church resides directly next to the original to provide even more options to devote villagers.
To attend mass, the townspeople here still maintain the ritual of dressing in their ‘kroj’, which are traditional folk outfits. These clothes are typically handmade and decorated to signify celebration, often including intricate embroidery, pleating, and bright colors. Throughout the Czechoslovak region, the kroj is rarely worn in modern day, with the tradition fading alongside industrialization in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, in small villages such as Lendak, these traditions have been preserved and are still flourishing today.
Two of the people working to preserve local traditions in Lendak are Hanka and Pani Galikova, two local women who are passionate about preserving the culture and history of their town. They have independently created a museum in the town, where visitors are able to see historic examples of kroj pieces, crafting supplies, farm equipment, and home decoration.
To round out the afternoon, we drove up to the high Tatras and took a refreshing stroll around the lake. Luckily the sunny day offered the perfect photo opportunity for all and the chance to admire the beautiful Slovak mountain range.
For dinner, the owner of our cozy lodge made a delicious homecooked meal and we rounded out an unforgettable day to the village of Lendak and the high Tatras.
As our adventure through Slovakia continues, each day reveals new landscapes, deeper insights, and meaningful connections with the country’s rich heritage. From picturesque towns to serene mountains, Slovakia has so much to offer. We invite you to join us as we uncover more of its hidden gems and timeless traditions, discovering the heart and soul of this beautiful land one step at a time.
Team Global Slovakia
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