National heritage institution Matica Slovenska (MS) has declared 2025 the Year of Slovaks Living Abroad. The institution wants to commemorate historical events and figures who have shaped Slovak diasporas around the world and have significantly influenced the cultural, scientific, artistic or religious environment beyond the territory of Slovakia.
In 2025, Matica Slovenska will commemorate significant anniversaries of important figures of compatriot life, such as Jozef Podhradsky, Peter Tvrdy, Stefan Furdek, Hana Gregorova, Rudolf Dilong, Jan Siracky and others, people who played an important role in the life of Slovak expat communities around the world.
At the same time, Matica will focus on historical events that are connected with the fate of Slovaks living abroad. These include the closure of Matica Slovenska in 1875, the adoption of the Cleveland Agreement during the First World War in 1915, the end of WWII in 1945 and the death of important Matica Slovenska administrator and founder of Expatriot Matica Slovenska, Jozef Ciger Hronsky, in 1960.
"By declaring the Year of Slovaks Living Abroad, Matica Slovenska is emphasising its commitment to deepening relations with compatriots and to preserving national heritage beyond the borders of Slovakia," added MS spokesperson Laura Hancova.
Source: TASR
