European Champion Martin Vaculik is preparing himself for Christmas. However Slovak had some time to tell about traditions which are present in typical Slovakian home, also about the place of Christmas in his heart and he wishes all the fans Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Martin is the first European Champion in the new formula SEC. The rider after a difficult season is relaxing now in his country and is preparing for Christmas. How do Christmas Eve and Christmas look like in Slovakia? - It is very similar to Polish Christmas. In Slovakia there are a lot of Christians who celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas. Generally on the 24th of December we eat dinner together with the family and we give presents each other. Like in Poland there is great atmosphere, the whole family meets, we can talk and spend this time together.
When we talk about Christmas we have to ask about traditional dishes which are present. Vaculik said what has to be on his Christmas table. – There is “vanoczka” (white cake which is similar to challah with raisins) and “kapustnica” (soup made from sauerkraut with pepper and sausage). “Kapustnica” is similar to Polish “bigos” but it isn’t so dense. Of course there also has to be fish and, like in Poland, it is carp. It served on a plate together with a salad made from potatoes and mayonnaise. An apple and honey is also very important. These are traditional Slovakian dishes in shortage. Of course there are also different kinds of cakes but fish and soup is more important.
In the Internet we can find some information about Christmas divinations which Slovaks are said to do but European Champion 2013 doesn’t know nothing about it. – To be honest, I’ve never heard about it. We don’t do it at my home so I’m quite surprised with such information.
Can we imagine Christmas without a Christmas tree? In Slovakia this tradition is also present but Martin Vaculik prefers more modern tress. – This year my mum wanted a real Christmas tree so we bought it but I prefer more “designer” tree. Last year I bought really well equipped tree which was already decorated and it was really awesome (smile). It is really modern, I really like it surely we find there a lot of presents for the whole family.
To celebrate this Christmas I would like to wish all the fans a lot of peace and nice moments. It would be great to spend this time with the people who we really love. And of course all the best in a New Year – fulfillment of dreams, a lot of successes and great party on New Year’s Eve – ends Slovakian European Champion Martin Vaculik.
