On Friday 5 December 2025 we photographed the awards ceremony of the 13th year of the nationwide Dedina roka (Village of the Year) competition, held in the cultural centre in Budmerice. The title Dedina roka 2025 went to Budmerice itself, the village where our studio is based. You can find more about the competition at dedinaroka.sk.
About the Dedina roka competition
The competition is announced by the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic and the Slovak Environment Agency (SAŽP); the general partner is COOP Jednota Slovensko. This year's edition was held under the auspices of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment Tomáš Taraba. The winner is chosen by a national evaluation commission according to how well villages meet the criteria – from environmental activities through economic and social programmes to community cohesion. A record number of villages entered this year.
Results of the 2025 edition
- 1st place – Dedina roka 2025: Budmerice (Pezinok district), a prize of €10,000 for a development project of its own choice
- 2nd place: Zákamenné (Námestovo district)
- 3rd place: Haniska (Košice-okolie district)
- Village as a manager (Dedina ako hospodár): Utekáč
- Village as a partner (Dedina ako partner): Čirč
- Village as a treasure house (Dedina ako klenotnica): Kyjatice
- Painted village (Dedina ako maľovaná): Dolná Krupá
In total about 20 villages were recognised, including winners from eight self-governing regions and holders of special prizes.
The gala evening in Budmerice
The awards were presented by, among others, Juraj Moravčík, Director General of SAŽP, and representatives of the competition partners. The title was accepted by the mayor of Budmerice, Jozef Savkuliak. The evening was enriched by guest performances – pupils of the Budmerice primary art school (ZUŠ) and folklore ensembles from the villages of Zákamenné and Haniska, which placed 2nd and 3rd.
Budmerice in Europe
The winner of the national round represents Slovakia in the European Village Renewal Award. In the EV!RA 2026 edition Budmerice won the gold band and Kyjatice the silver one; the awards were presented in the Czech village of Kostelní Lhota.
Photographing gala evenings and award ceremonies
Gala evenings with award presentations have their own rhythm – guests arriving, speeches, the moments the awards are handed over and the performances in the programme. We photograph them as an event photographer, just like the presentation of the Félix awards. If you are planning a gala evening or an awards ceremony, see our pricing or contact us.
