Day of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic

📣 Traveler notes

Slovakia is a Central European destination renowned for its natural beauty and rich history. Major national and Christian holidays are observed, typically resulting in limited amenities and shop closures.

• Major Christian holidays and certain national holidays cause public closures of banks and shops.
• Easter and Good Friday are national holidays.
• New Year's Day (January 1st) commemorates the split of Czechoslovakia.
• Epiphany (January 6th) is a holiday that closes shops and banks.
• The festive period of Mardi Gras (Fašiangy) is a cultural season, not a national holiday.
• Slovakia maintains a predominantly Catholic cultural background.
• When visiting homes, remove outdoor shoes and accept offered slippers. Bring a small gift (wine or flowers) for the host, but avoid giving money. When meeting locals, cheek kissing is common, especially with women. Exercise caution when discussing sensitive topics like WWII, communism, or minority issues.