For the fifth time, we are bringing Jewish culture from around the world to the Považie region. The traditionally Nové Mesto-based festival has joined forces with the Trenčín-based Biennale of Contemporary Jewish Art Jidiš Vesmír, opening its doors to new places, artists, and connections. This year’s theme centers around our longest river — the Váh, which has shaped history and continues to influence our lives and culture. The river symbolizes transience, constant movement, renewal, purification, and life itself. The Jewish Culture Festival is an event of remembrance and reflection, where various forms of Jewish art speak to us. It’s a space for discussion, exploration, enrichment, and connection.
Locations
The festival has expanded and offers experiences in several places:
Nové Mesto nad Váhom (Mestské kultúrne stredisko, ul. Čsl. armády 18, park J.M. Hurbana), Trenčín (KKC Hviezda Trenčín, Synagóga Trenčín, Mierové námestie), Piešťany (Dom umenia Piešťany, Kino Fontána Piešťany, Hudobný pavilón v parku), Čachtice (Draškovičov kaštieľ), Beckov (hrad Beckov) a v Moravské Lieskové (ŽiTo v Sýpke).
Program
The festival offers many opportunities for cultural experiences, discussions, and meetings:
Theatre and Film Performances:
- Puppet show Eliáš’s Violin at Draškovič Manor
- Stage play All the Rivers at MsKS NM and ŽiTo in the Silo
- Drama Didier Caron: False Note at MsKS NM
- Film 999: The Young Women of the First Transport to Auschwitz at Kino Fontána Piešťany
- Comedy about modern motherhood I LOVE MAMA! at House of Arts Piešťany and KKC Hviezda Trenčín
Exhibitions:
- Cut Judaica by Esther Shilo (IL) at Draškovič Manor and Beckov Castle
- Bonds and Traditions: Illustrations by Tereza Piskláková (CZ) at MsKS NM
- Yevgeniy Fiks (USA): Jidiš Vesmír at Synagogue Trenčín
Concerts:
- Jana Orlická & Prague Jazz Trio: Songs and Prayers of Jewish Diasporas at MsKS NM
- Mi Martef – Pilsner Klezmer Band (CZ) at J.M. Hurban Park and Beckov Castle
- Desire to Create, Desire to Live at House of Arts Piešťany
- Moritz Weiß Klezmer Trio at Music Pavilion in the Park, Piešťany
Other Events:
- Dance-acting improv Connecting Mind, Body and Soul in a Playful Spirit, and the Changing Stories – Looking Behind Our Own Shadows workshop with Hadar Galron (IL), director of I LOVE MAMA!, at KKC Hviezda Trenčín and MsKS NM
- Performance by Zuzanna Hertzberg (PL): Familiar Strangers on Mierové Square in Trenčín
- Performance by The Sala-Manca Group: Lea Mauas & Diego Rotman (AR/IL) at Synagogue Trenčín
- Awards ceremony of the 2nd national competition “In the Footsteps of Ján Trnovský” at MsKS NM
- Guided tour: Jewish Old-New Town in Nové Mesto nad Váhom
- Lecture: The Fate of Beckov’s Jews at Beckov Castle
- Scenic rafting trip on the Váh River
Special Event
A highlight of the program will be the ceremonial unveiling of a memorial plaque for Eduard Horn, a prominent native of Nové Mesto nad Váhom. The event will include a lecture on his life and work, followed by an evening concert, taking place on June 13, 2025, in Nové Mesto nad Váhom.
Support
The Jewish Culture Festival is supported by:
Trenčín Self-Governing Region, European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026, Fund for the Support of Culture of National Minorities, the City of Nové Mesto nad Váhom, Austrian Cultural Forum, the Embassy of the State of Israel, and others.
More information about the full program is available at MSKS.
