Nitra Celebrates Cyril and Methodius with Dozens of Cultural Events

Nitra/Bratislava, 5 July (TASR) - The annual Cyril-Methodius and Pribina celebrations have been taking place in Nitra since Friday (4 July), offering a rich weekend program of historical, cultural, and religious events. The festivities, held under the name 'Nitra, Beloved Nitra', mark the Feast Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius and connect Slovakia’s deep-rooted Christian heritage with the present. The celebration is organized by the city of Nitra in cooperation with the Diocese of Nitra, the Nitra Self-Governing Region, and several institutions and organizations. Events will take place throughout the city, including the Svatopluk Square, Pribina Square, Nitra Castle Hill, and other historical sites. „These celebrations commemorate our history while also engaging the present through contemporary cultural events. The stories of Pribina, Svatopluk, and Saints Cyril and Methodius will come alive again,” said Nitra Mayor Marek Hattas. A central component of the weekend programme is the National Cyril and Methodius Pilgrimage, scheduled for Saturday on the Svatopluk Square. The pontifical Holy Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Dominik Duka, the emeritus Archbishop of Prague and Czech Primate. Originally, the main celebrant was to be Cardinal Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, who cannot attend due to his papal duties. „We hope he will visit Nitra someday,” said Diocese spokesperson Tibor Ujlacky. As for weekend program highlights, on Saturday - aside from the pilgrimage - visitors can enjoy an open day at the Nitra Castle, the large historical festival Pribina’s Nitrawa, and an evening performance by the Slovak Film Theatre titled The Journey of Constantine and Methodius. The festivities will close with concerts by Nitraditional Dixieland, Jiri Pavlica & Hradistan, and the Slovak Chamber Orchestra. The Nitra, Beloved Nitra festival is one of Slovakia’s key cultural and spiritual events, reflecting on the country’s early Christian legacy and celebrating its historical roots in the heart of medieval Great Moravia. mf/lin