The Radvaň Fair cultivates the tradition dating from the 17th century. It originated in 1655 in Radvaň, that was then a centre of crafts. Historians claim that the fair at Radvaň originated on the basis of the privilege to organize pilgrimages, which was granted to the Catholic church in Radvaň. Many people participating in the pilgrimages became the target of the craftsmen of Radvaň who took the opportunity to sell them their produce. Having started as a traditional barter business between the town and the country, the fair later developed into a venue from which wider areas began to be supplied with agricultural produce, handiwork and industrial products. People from the neighbouring areas used to come to the fair to buy some products and find entertainment. The fair was of great significance mainly in the 19th century when producers of cloth and blueprint material, boot makers, hatters, comb makers, gunpowder producers, traditional peasants’ leather shoe makers, or artisans making wood, straw or wicker products ranked among the most respected representatives of trade. A special position was held by ginger bread makers. A specific custom had developed of young single men buying cooking spoons on the last day of the fair, which they then used to hit young girls and women on their bottoms. This tradition has been preserved until today and has extended to all fair days.
Proposal by
The City Banská Bystrica
Year of Inscription
2011
Certificate number
KCTLK-RZNKD-2011/013
