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!

Summer in Cachtice

Getting Ready for the picnic (Peter center, Elenka far left with her husband and child, Hanka next to Peter on the right and Katka (Peter's right hand) on the right with her husband and two of her children)

It has been a rainy start to summer in Slovakia.  On Saturday, the Skypers teachers and families traveled about 30 minutes to a village, Cachtice for a picnic.  Cachtice is known for the countess Elizabeth Bathory, rumored to be the "Blood Countess" and responsible for the deaths of several young virgin girls for their blood.  Supposedly, Elizabeth felt the blood had "powers" to keep her young and bathed in their blood.  She summoned several young girls to her castle in Cachtice to be slaughtered for the blood so she could bath in it.  

Who knows if this is true or not, in any case, the village is quite unique and very picturesque as you can see by the photos.  

The Skypers team (Peter Remis our boss) and English, French and Italian teachers all traveled there for a picnic with their families.

It was quite a nice warm day and the afternoon rains held off for a while.  We were lucky to have this time in the sun!

Elenka (French teacher) Peter & Zuzka (one of my students) 

There is a cave on the property and Peter lead an excursion into the cave below the orchard where we were picnicking.  It was quite interesting.  You could actually see writings from the 15-17th centuries. The kids and adults loved it.

Afterward we decided to take one area of the orchard and plant pumpkin seeds in the hopes of a harvest this fall.  Unfortunately I will not be in Slovakia so I'll have to rely on the Skypers team to let me know if we have a successful patch.

All in all a wonderful summer day in Slovakia!