Set in the picturesque Upper Nitra region, in the village of Poluvsie, a unique folklore festival comes to life each year, transporting visitors into a world of traditions, music, and authentic rural life. The folklore festival In the Village of Poluska will take place on 16 May 2026 in Poluvsie for the eighth time.
This event offers an authentic experience full of colours, traditional costumes, and vibrant folk culture. Folklore groups and ensembles from various parts of Slovakia and abroad come together in one place to present songs, dances, and music passed down through generations. A highlight of the programme is the performance of the local folklore group Lubená and the children’s ensemble Malá Lubená, this year complemented by an international guest, FS Dolina from Krempachy, Poland. The rich programme will also feature children’s folklore ensembles Matičiarik from Banská Bystrica and Pyrťan from Pliešovce, as well as the folklore ensemble Bukovina with its folk music Bukovinka from Braväcovo.
However, the festival is not just about watching—it’s about experiencing. Visitors can try traditional dances in a dance workshop, take part in creative activities, admire skilled artisans at work, or enjoy authentic regional specialties prepared by local cooks. They can also explore the travelling exhibition Stay in Costume, which offers a unique opportunity to encounter the beauty and diversity of historical regional clothing through large-format photographs. Stay in Costume combines a photographic exhibition of traditional attire from the Upper Nitra region with an outdoor mobile photo studio. The COPIX mobile studio allows visitors to actively engage with traditions by dressing in costumes and having their photos taken. This interactive format connects documentation with experience, creating a powerful emotional connection that strengthens appreciation for folk traditions and regional identity. The atmosphere is further enhanced by a craft market, the aroma of homemade cakes, and the smiles of people proudly preserving their roots.
In the Village of Poluska is more than just a festival—it is a gathering of friends and enthusiasts of folklore, tradition, and the joy of village life. Come and experience a day where the past comes alive and folklore holds a firm place in the present.
This project is supported by the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026 and the Trenčín Self-Governing Region.
