Východná

Východná is a village and municipality in Liptovský Mikuláš District in the Žilina Region of northern Slovakia. It is best known for hosting the annual Východná Folklore Festival, the largest and oldest Slovak folklore festival.

Geography:

Východná is situated in the Liptov basin, at the foothills of the High Tatras and Low Tatras mountains. The village lies approximately 15 kilometers east of Liptovský Mikuláš. The river Biely Váh flows through the village.

History:

The first written record of Východná dates back to 1269. Historically, the village's economy was based on agriculture, forestry, and crafts.

Culture:

The Východná Folklore Festival, established in 1953, is the village's main cultural attraction. It showcases traditional Slovak music, dance, costumes, and crafts. The festival is typically held during the first weekend of July. The village also has a museum dedicated to local history and folklore.

Demographics:

As of 2023 estimates, the population of Východná is approximately 2,200. The population is predominantly Slovak.

Economy:

While agriculture remains important, tourism related to the folklore festival and the surrounding mountains contributes significantly to the local economy.

Transportation:

Východná is accessible by road and rail. The D1 highway passes nearby.