The First Summer with Seniors Event Brought Together Folklore, Regional Cuisine and Enjoyable Encounters

The first of four summer events in the Summer with Seniors series, organised by the EGTC Via Carpatia in cooperation with the Košice Regional Organisation of the Union of Pensioners in Slovakia, took place in Rožňava. The event offered seniors and the wider public an afternoon filled with folklore, traditional cuisine, music and shared experiences. The pleasant atmosphere was further enhanced by the visit of Rastislav Trnka, President of the Košice Self-Governing Region, who met with participants and tasted the regional specialities prepared for the occasion.

The varied cultural programme featured senior folklore groups from different parts of the region. The performers included Babča from Mlynky, Radzim from Vyšná Slaná, the men’s singing group Pekná dolinka from Vlachovo, the country dance group Rozkvet from Prakovce, the singing groups Bysträne from Rožňavské Bystré, Dobšinky from Dobšiná and Rozmarija from Vinné, as well as the folklore group Tepličanka from Zemplínska Teplica. The programme concluded with a performance by the band Basawell, whose energetic show encouraged visitors to dance and created a lively summer atmosphere.

Visitors also had the opportunity to taste traditional regional specialities prepared by local branches of the Union of Pensioners in Slovakia from Gočovo, Čierna Lehota, Jablonov nad Turňou, Vlachovo and Rakovnica. The menu included halušky, Gemer-style potato dumplings, bean goulash, pirohy and tripe in paprika sauce. Younger visitors were also well catered for and enjoyed the afternoon in the Fun Zone, which featured inflatable castles and face painting.

The opening event of the Summer with Seniors series showed that community gatherings, folklore, traditional cuisine and intergenerational activities can create a welcoming atmosphere and strengthen community ties throughout the region.