Báthoryčkina kvapka krvi (Drop of Blood)

A wooden statue of Elizabeth is brought into the village center to "watch over" the celebrations. 

One of the things I love most about living in Slovakia is the many village events, especially in summer.  This weekend I had the pleasure of attending Báthoryčkina kvapka krvi in Cachtice.  Every year the 6,300 residents of Cachtice celebrate their most famous resident, Countess Elizabeth Bathory.  There has been movies made and stories told throughout the centuries about Erzsébet (Elizabeth) Bathory, a 16th century Hungarian noblewoman who was convicted and imprisoned in her own castle for allegedly murdering over 600 women for their blood.  Supposedly she thought their blood would keep her young.

The festival, organized by the Cachticky Ring (civic minded locals), hosts an annual blood drive (naturally), music, crafts (old and new), and of course, wine tastings, has become a staple in this little hamlet between Piestany and Nove Mesto nad Vahom. 

Music is really the centerpiece of the event with a large stage highlighting acts from around Slovakia to entertain the guests.  As their parents watch, children dance and play in front of the stage.

You never know what you might find at the medieval booths scattered throughout the square.

The Bathory castle burnt down in the 1700s, but one room is now under renovation and will hopefully open for visitors next summer. I'm really looking forward to seeing it!