Bratislava Mayor Matúš Vallo presented the 2026 Mayor of Bratislava Award at the PO Hviezdoslav Theater on Thursday evening. Eight personalities became this year’s laureates.
“The presentation of the Mayor’s Award is a rare opportunity to experience the feeling of unconditional love and gratitude, something that should be a normal part of our daily lives, but we get less and less of it. Appreciate exceptional people who contribute to the strength of communities, moving us all to a better, more tolerant, healthier and more cultural society“, stated Vallo.
For the long-term struggle for religious and civil liberties and for a significant contribution to the protection of democracy in Slovakia you took home the award František Mikloško. For more than 50 successful editions of the Jazz Days festivalwhich shaped the music scene of Bratislava, were awarded Peter Lipa and Pavel Daněk. For a long time the rescue work and the popularization of the importance of first aid were appreciated by Viliam Dobiáš.
For representing Slovakia at four Winter Olympics, world cups and for dedication to sport she took home the award Veronika Zuzulova. For protecting the environment and building a relationship with nature through a community event that has been protecting frogs during their spring migration at Železná Studienka for 40 years, she was awarded Blanka Lehotská. For building an independent cultural space and supporting the community of young people assessed Love Soška.
For building friendly, constructive and partnership relations between Ukraine and Slovakia and for his devoted service to his country he received an award Ambassador of Ukraine to Slovakia Myroslav Kastran.
The Bratislava Mayor’s Award is one of the most important city awards with a long tradition. Candidates for the award are selected by the mayor of Bratislava together with the advisory board. Individual nominations take into account the exceptional contribution of individuals or collectives that shape the capital and deserve attention, especially special thanks for the cultural or social development of the city.
