Edited by IPC Prešov | Košice and Žilina Regions
Rafting on the Váh
Country: Slovakia
Region: Žilina Region
Type of inspiration: Nature
Inspiracja
Thanks to the rich river system in Slovakia, the development of rafting is quite natural, which has significantly contributed to the development of trade relations between different regions of Slovakia. Historically, it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact beginnings of rafting in Slovakia, but there are historical records from the early 11th century in which settlers used the Váh River as a transport artery via rafts. For part of the population in Orava and Liptov, rafting became an important source of livelihood. Rafts were initially used for transporting timber and were linked to the development of mining and metallurgical business. Later, building materials, iron, canvas and cloth, pottery, leatherworkers' products, lace and foodstuffs such as salt, bryndza, cheese, fruit and honey were also transported by water. The Váh River in particular has a dominant position because, unlike the Kysuca and Orava rivers, it was used by rafters all year round. It was not until Maria Theresa's legislative changes that the working relationships of rafters were regulated; until then, rafting had been a free profession to which almost no regulations applied.
There was a certain hierarchy among the rafters, where the chief rafter-factor was in charge of contracting and finances and was de facto superior to all others. The most important was the rafter who sat at the front - the foreman and the least experienced was the so-called aftman - usually a beginner.
The working attire consisted of scrubs, tight-fitting socks made of home-made white sheepskin, a blouse, a camisole, a loincloth, at least two linen shirts and a wide Welsh hat decorated with shells. Nowadays, rafting can be enjoyed on tourist cruises, during which the tourist is introduced to a distinctive culture, characterised by its own customs and verbal art, including songs and stories.
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