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Predvianočné kaprenie
Pre-Christmas carp
Event by: Ekocentrum Čunovo
Location: Ekocentrum Čunovo (Szápáryho kaštieľ), Petržalská 851 10, Bratislava - Čunovo
Discussions and lectures, For children
About event
Carp on the Christmas table. For some, it's an inherent tradition, for others, maybe just... fish. But have you ever thought about the story behind it? Where did she come from, what did she experience and what would she tell us if she could? Here at the Ecocentre, we decided to give her a voice. And not only to her, but to the entire river, its inhabitants and the stories that take place in it.
Our Pre-Christmas carp is not only about celebrating traditions. It is an invitation to a world that begins below the water surface. We want to look at the life cycle of a fish with you not as a lesson from a textbook, but as an adventure. To find out what the fish in our rivers lack, what harms them and how we can, each one of us, contribute to making their life better. Because a healthy river means healthy fish and a healthy landscape for all of us.
Come with us on an expedition where we will learn something new, have fun and maybe look at that Christmas carp with a little more respect. Don't expect dry lectures, but an experience that draws you into the action - whether directly on board the boat, while "interrogating" fish or during a conversation with experts who have dedicated their lives to water and its inhabitants.
What awaits you during the day?
(The program runs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., individual activities have their exact times)
🏛️ Open exposition of the Ecocenter Čunovo
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Description: Immerse yourself in the interactive and dynamic world of the Čunovo Ecocenter exhibition! You will discover the secrets of the Danube, meadows, floodplain forests and fields. You will try to jump like a grasshopper, learn to recognize birdsong, find out how insects see, and walk through the floodplain forest of the Danube in virtual reality. You will also discover the life of original species of fish in the Danube and, thanks to the 3D model, you will explore the functioning of the Gabčíkovo waterworks.
🚤 Danube safari – discovering wildlife on the water (max. capacity of 10 people per cruise)
Cruise times: 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
Description: Join us for an unforgettable one-hour cruise along the Hrušovská stop! Together with the captain and the lecturer from the Ecocenter Čunovo, we will discover the secrets of the Danube nature - from quiet bays and abandoned islets to places with the history of the Gabčíkovo waterworks. From a different perspective, we will get to know the largest waterfowl wintering grounds in Slovakia. With a bit of luck, we will see hundreds of swans, grebes, seagulls, herons, coots, and maybe even a majestic sea eagle! You will learn about the ecology of water communities, the exceptionality of floodplain forests and the self-purifying power of the underground water of Rye Island. The Danube Safari cruise is a unique combination of adventure, knowledge and relaxation on the water.
For detailed information on the cruise, logistics and shuttle departure times, click here.
🔍 River stories: Where did our fish go? (Investigation game for children)
Times: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 h
Description: Turn into "river detectives" and discover why fish are disappearing from our rivers! You will learn how the river ecosystem works through the game, "interrogating the fish" and moving in the river environment model. You will look for evidence, read messages from fish and propose solutions - from cleaning the water to restoring old arms or building fish passages. We will show in a playful way that even small decisions help the river to come to life again.
🎣 From roe to the festive table (Slovak Fishermen's Association)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Description: The arrival of Christmas and the inevitable carp! The Slovak Fishermen's Association invites you to discover the fascinating journey of carp from a tiny roe to the main star of the Christmas dinner. Take a look behind the scenes of Slovak fishing resorts, where carp are lovingly raised, and understand the importance of stocking our waters. There are fun fishing games for young and old alike – try your hand at fishing and catch a wooden fish, or test your skill at throwing targets. Come and experience the combination of knowledge, traditions and active fun!
🔬 Healthy fish not only on the Christmas table - Mgr. Ladislav Pekárik, PhD., Center for Plant Biology and Biodiversity SAV
Time: 13:30 – 14:00 h
Description: In what environment do our fish live and how are their conditions changing? We will delve into the current issue of fish consumption in Slovakia and in the world. Together we will explore the life cycle of fish, their ecological and social importance, and why overfishing is such a threat. You will learn which types of fish we should avoid, what are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial breeding, and especially - whether we will still have healthy Slovak fish on the holiday table in the future. Come and learn how our decisions affect life in rivers and seas!
🎓 The story of the Danube carp: From ecosystem to tradition
Time: 14:00 – 15:00 h
Description: Get to know the world of Danube fish through the eyes of future experts! Students and teachers from the Agricultural and Veterinary Secondary School (fishery department) will reveal the secrets of life under water in an engaging way. They will present the carp not only as a symbol of Christmas, but also its important role in nature, including life in lowland ponds with grass carp, walleye, pike and toothfish. We will compare the advantages of local farming with importing fish and show a practical example of how to properly and carefully process carp before the final kitchen preparation. A combination of information, ecological connections and practical skills!
🏮Lanterns from the floodplain forest – creative workshop (capacity of 16 children per term)
Times: 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Description: The light of lanterns in winter brings warmth and moments together. Children and their parents make their own lantern from simple jam jars, decorated with pieces of nature - leaves and twigs. While creating, they will learn about the importance of trees and forests. Together we will light a symbolic procession of lights, as if we were carrying a piece of the forest with us. Playful activity connects creativity, tradition and environmental education. (Suitable for children from 6 years old). (Suitable for children from 6 years old).
🌳 Cutting fruit trees with Tomáš Abel
Time: 13:00 – 15:00 h
Description: During two hours, experienced fruit grower Tomáš Abel will be available to visitors to share his years of proven knowledge. The main topic will be the correct pruning of fruit trees, but Tomáš will also be ready to answer any other gardening questions. It is a unique opportunity for an informal consultation with an expert that can help every garden.
🎶 Advent concert at the end
Time: 16:30 – 17:30 h
Performing: Choir and orchestra Chorus CANTILENA
Description: A beautiful end to a day full of experiences will be an Advent concert performed by the choir and orchestra Chorus CANTILENA. Under the leadership of conductor Martin Puhovich, sacred compositions will be performed that will create a festive atmosphere - from spirituals to traditional carols to the works of Joseph Haydn. An ideal opportunity to quiet down and enjoy the coming advent.
🚌 How do you get to us?
To make your arrival at Ecocenter Čunovo as comfortable as possible, we have prepared practical information for you about transport:
By bus: You can easily get to Čunovo by public transport, use bus no. 91.
By car (parking): For visitors arriving by car, there is a dedicated and clearly marked parking lot on Schengenska street (towards the state border with Hungary). The parking lot is approximately 500 meters from the Ecocentre. If you are traveling with your family, you can safely drop off the passengers at the entrance to the Ecocenter so that they can start enjoying the program, and then park the car. This way you will all have time to enjoy every moment!
We are looking forward to you becoming part of our pre-Christmas story.
The event was realized with the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Slovak Republic.
Our Pre-Christmas carp is not only about celebrating traditions. It is an invitation to a world that begins below the water surface. We want to look at the life cycle of a fish with you not as a lesson from a textbook, but as an adventure. To find out what the fish in our rivers lack, what harms them and how we can, each one of us, contribute to making their life better. Because a healthy river means healthy fish and a healthy landscape for all of us.
Come with us on an expedition where we will learn something new, have fun and maybe look at that Christmas carp with a little more respect. Don't expect dry lectures, but an experience that draws you into the action - whether directly on board the boat, while "interrogating" fish or during a conversation with experts who have dedicated their lives to water and its inhabitants.
What awaits you during the day?
(The program runs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., individual activities have their exact times)
🏛️ Open exposition of the Ecocenter Čunovo
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Description: Immerse yourself in the interactive and dynamic world of the Čunovo Ecocenter exhibition! You will discover the secrets of the Danube, meadows, floodplain forests and fields. You will try to jump like a grasshopper, learn to recognize birdsong, find out how insects see, and walk through the floodplain forest of the Danube in virtual reality. You will also discover the life of original species of fish in the Danube and, thanks to the 3D model, you will explore the functioning of the Gabčíkovo waterworks.
🚤 Danube safari – discovering wildlife on the water (max. capacity of 10 people per cruise)
Cruise times: 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
Description: Join us for an unforgettable one-hour cruise along the Hrušovská stop! Together with the captain and the lecturer from the Ecocenter Čunovo, we will discover the secrets of the Danube nature - from quiet bays and abandoned islets to places with the history of the Gabčíkovo waterworks. From a different perspective, we will get to know the largest waterfowl wintering grounds in Slovakia. With a bit of luck, we will see hundreds of swans, grebes, seagulls, herons, coots, and maybe even a majestic sea eagle! You will learn about the ecology of water communities, the exceptionality of floodplain forests and the self-purifying power of the underground water of Rye Island. The Danube Safari cruise is a unique combination of adventure, knowledge and relaxation on the water.
For detailed information on the cruise, logistics and shuttle departure times, click here.
🔍 River stories: Where did our fish go? (Investigation game for children)
Times: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 h
Description: Turn into "river detectives" and discover why fish are disappearing from our rivers! You will learn how the river ecosystem works through the game, "interrogating the fish" and moving in the river environment model. You will look for evidence, read messages from fish and propose solutions - from cleaning the water to restoring old arms or building fish passages. We will show in a playful way that even small decisions help the river to come to life again.
🎣 From roe to the festive table (Slovak Fishermen's Association)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Description: The arrival of Christmas and the inevitable carp! The Slovak Fishermen's Association invites you to discover the fascinating journey of carp from a tiny roe to the main star of the Christmas dinner. Take a look behind the scenes of Slovak fishing resorts, where carp are lovingly raised, and understand the importance of stocking our waters. There are fun fishing games for young and old alike – try your hand at fishing and catch a wooden fish, or test your skill at throwing targets. Come and experience the combination of knowledge, traditions and active fun!
🔬 Healthy fish not only on the Christmas table - Mgr. Ladislav Pekárik, PhD., Center for Plant Biology and Biodiversity SAV
Time: 13:30 – 14:00 h
Description: In what environment do our fish live and how are their conditions changing? We will delve into the current issue of fish consumption in Slovakia and in the world. Together we will explore the life cycle of fish, their ecological and social importance, and why overfishing is such a threat. You will learn which types of fish we should avoid, what are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial breeding, and especially - whether we will still have healthy Slovak fish on the holiday table in the future. Come and learn how our decisions affect life in rivers and seas!
🎓 The story of the Danube carp: From ecosystem to tradition
Time: 14:00 – 15:00 h
Description: Get to know the world of Danube fish through the eyes of future experts! Students and teachers from the Agricultural and Veterinary Secondary School (fishery department) will reveal the secrets of life under water in an engaging way. They will present the carp not only as a symbol of Christmas, but also its important role in nature, including life in lowland ponds with grass carp, walleye, pike and toothfish. We will compare the advantages of local farming with importing fish and show a practical example of how to properly and carefully process carp before the final kitchen preparation. A combination of information, ecological connections and practical skills!
🏮Lanterns from the floodplain forest – creative workshop (capacity of 16 children per term)
Times: 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Description: The light of lanterns in winter brings warmth and moments together. Children and their parents make their own lantern from simple jam jars, decorated with pieces of nature - leaves and twigs. While creating, they will learn about the importance of trees and forests. Together we will light a symbolic procession of lights, as if we were carrying a piece of the forest with us. Playful activity connects creativity, tradition and environmental education. (Suitable for children from 6 years old). (Suitable for children from 6 years old).
🌳 Cutting fruit trees with Tomáš Abel
Time: 13:00 – 15:00 h
Description: During two hours, experienced fruit grower Tomáš Abel will be available to visitors to share his years of proven knowledge. The main topic will be the correct pruning of fruit trees, but Tomáš will also be ready to answer any other gardening questions. It is a unique opportunity for an informal consultation with an expert that can help every garden.
🎶 Advent concert at the end
Time: 16:30 – 17:30 h
Performing: Choir and orchestra Chorus CANTILENA
Description: A beautiful end to a day full of experiences will be an Advent concert performed by the choir and orchestra Chorus CANTILENA. Under the leadership of conductor Martin Puhovich, sacred compositions will be performed that will create a festive atmosphere - from spirituals to traditional carols to the works of Joseph Haydn. An ideal opportunity to quiet down and enjoy the coming advent.
🚌 How do you get to us?
To make your arrival at Ecocenter Čunovo as comfortable as possible, we have prepared practical information for you about transport:
By bus: You can easily get to Čunovo by public transport, use bus no. 91.
By car (parking): For visitors arriving by car, there is a dedicated and clearly marked parking lot on Schengenska street (towards the state border with Hungary). The parking lot is approximately 500 meters from the Ecocentre. If you are traveling with your family, you can safely drop off the passengers at the entrance to the Ecocenter so that they can start enjoying the program, and then park the car. This way you will all have time to enjoy every moment!
We are looking forward to you becoming part of our pre-Christmas story.
The event was realized with the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Slovak Republic.