Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

Each September, Bratislava hosts a week-long celebration showcasing the art, ideas, and stories of some of Slovakia’s nearly 300,000 migrants. This event, known as the [fjúžn] festival, is organized by the Milan Šimečka Foundation, and last weekend marked the successful conclusion of its 19th edition. Throughout the week, attendees enjoyed concerts, markets, readings, and discussions. As in previous years, the festival unveiled its annual magazine, featuring stories from selected migrants and essays centered around the theme of "roots." Slovaks and foreigners came together to exchange skills and share food. While the atmosphere was festive and light, the festival serves a deeper purpose: fostering the introduction and integration of migrants into Slovak society. RSI attended several events to speak with organizers, participants, and attendees, many of whom were migrants.