Traditional butcher in Slovakia

Slaughter  is one of the few preserved traditions of the Slovak countryside, which, among other things, also has a significant social impact. During the slaughter period, the members of the household are joined by extended relatives or members of the village community. In the past, a slaughterhouse was a rule in almost every home in the villages, meat in stores was not so available at that time.

The slaughterhouse has always represented a kind of family celebration. Pig farming was a source of livelihood for Slovak farmers. In the past, people often suffered from a lack of food during the long winter. Killing a piglet, canning and gradually eating the meat helped the family overcome the long winter. Only later did many foods, including meat, become more available. The slaughterhouse, originally intended as a source of meat and ensuring household nutrition, later turned into a folklore and social event. Today, for example, it is part of the demonstration of folk crafts on the occasion of various fairs, Advent markets, feasts, festivals, or even corporate events. It is not so easy to take part in a real family slaughterhouse today. Despite the fact that it is a demanding job, in the past it was still a source of distraction and an opportunity for fun. Although killing a pig might be against the grain of some, in the past it was a ceremony that included expressing gratitude for the food and for the animal's life.