By Donald Pafko, Honorary Consul for the Slovak Republic

On Thursday, November 4th, 2010 the Embassy of the Slovak Republic hosted a reception to announce the publication of a new book entitled Slovakia! Traditions Old and New.

The editor of this book is Helene Cincebeaux, director of the Slovak Heritage and Folklore Society, leader of countless tours to the Slovak Republic and author of several other books on Slovakia as well as editor and publisher of a periodical entitled Slovakia. Helene has divided her newest book into four sections according to the four seasons of the year: Summer, Fall,Winter and Spring. She highlights all of the traditions and customs relative to each of the seasons and does so with countless numbers of photographs and illustrations.

I was honored to be Master of Ceremonies at this gala event and as such was privileged to introduce Helene and her book to the gathered audience and the Embassy staff. A fantastic Slovak buffet was prepared by the Embassy staff which added to the festivities of the evening. Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United States, Peter Burian, and other diplomatic staff were in attendance at this event. In addition to all of the above, Helene also exhibited a portion of her collection of Slovak folk dress which added color to the evening.