Salamander Days 2010 in Banská Štiavnica

The Salamander Days in Banská Štiavnica, one of Slovakia’s oldest mining towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take place from September 10 to September 12, 2010. Originally a festival for local miners, the Salamander Days in Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia, have grown into a major event for miners, geologists, and oil industry workers from across the country.

In addition to the groups mentioned above, more and more tourists spending their vacations in Slovakia are also making their way to the Salamander Days in Banská Štiavnica. The highlight of the folk festival is a grand procession through the town on Friday, September 10, 2010.

This procession is a colorful, joyful spectacle. Traditionally, it is led by a chief shepherd carrying a wooden salamander lizard. According to an old legend, salamanders were responsible for the discovery of the Banská Štiavnica mine. Following the chief shepherd are local residents dressed as mountain spirits, known as “Permonik.” Miners in traditional costumes carrying the flags of their respective mines, mining bands, and a host of symbolic figures such as Father Death, a judge, and an executioner complete the parade, which is one of Slovakia’s most traditional events of its kind—a striking spectacle. The procession sets off after dusk on Friday, so that the mining lamps carried by participants bathe it in an impressive light.

The Salamander Days in Banská Štiavnica also feature a traditional market, an essential part of the event’s program, a rich cultural program, various mining-themed exhibitions, and performances by musical groups.