Splanekor, an iconic Trenčín tradition, will reappear on the Váh River after many years. Its September revival carries a clear message: we are preparing for 2026, when it will become part of the official programme of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026. On Saturday, 20 September, the beach on Ostrov Island will come alive with a rich all-day programme that will bring together generations, art and the community. It will be a unique event that brings creativity, humanity and summer cheer to the city.
Memories, creativity, sailing
From the afternoon until the evening hours, the beach on Ostrov will be dedicated to culture, entertainment and shared experiences. The accompanying programme will include creative workshops for children and adults, various sports activities for all age groups and a competition in throwing “frogs” into the water, which will create a relaxed and playful atmosphere.
Musical performances will be presented by the Teplanka folk ensemble from Trenčianska Teple, followed by the MaryLand country dance ensemble from Trenčín. The children’s ensemble Radosť will also provide a folklore experience. In the evening, visitors can look forward to a symbolic cruise on the Váh River, which will commemorate the spirit of the original Splanekor. The boats will come to life again on the river accompanied by presenter Vika Havránek Chovancová and music by DJ Mr. Bulwu. During the cruise, a call for participation in next year’s edition will be announced.
The evening programme will feature a concert by the band Brothers and Sisters, after which visitors will enjoy a summer cinema right by the water. The film Moře na dvoře (2025) by director Martin Horský will be screened, which thematically ties in with water, community and interconnectedness.
Tradition with a view to the future
“Splanekor has its place in Trenčín as a reminder of joyful creativity and community. After a long time, we are reviving it as a gathering full of memories and new energy,” says Stano Krajči, director of the Trenčín 2026 project. “We believe that new generations of Trenčín residents will also fall in love with it and that it will become a fixture of the city’s cultural life.”
The event in 2025 also serves as an invitation to actively participate in the planned grand return of Splanekor as part of the Trenčín 2026 programme. Its future form is being developed in close cooperation with residents, artists and creative communities.
“We don’t want to just look back at the past. Our ambition is to create new stories and connect people through art, community and playfulness,” adds Ema Steiningerová, project manager. “The current edition is a starting point for us, opening up space for further development. Everyone can get involved – as a creator, participant or observer.”
Splanekor 2.0 is part of a broader vision of reviving cultural traditions and community life in Trenčín. The project connects the past with a creative future, emphasises an ecological approach and offers an open framework for artistic collaboration. It is gradually taking shape as a long-term city festival that will appeal to residents and visitors to the city every year.
Trenčín 2026 is financially supported by the city of Trenčín, the Trenčín Region and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. The European Union is a partner of the project.
