One of the most beautiful folk-costumes in Slovakia comes from Pata. It is worn in neighbouring villages Šoporňa and Hájske as well. An old legend says that in the area of today’s three villages there was a small forest with five haylofts. The area around the haylofts (šopy) got the name Šoporňa. Pata was built on the site where the fifth (piata) hayloft once stood hence its name. The village of Hájske is located at the place where the small forest (háj) was longest preserved. The groom’s wedding folk-costume was a heavily embroidered linen shirt and a bodice made from blue damask decorated with silver laces and buttons. Black felt trousers were tucked into high boots with blue laces. A spray of rosemary was tucked into the headband of the hat and another with shinning beads, coloured threads and ribbon was pinned to the bodice. Today, groom’s folk-costume is worn only for special occasions. Wedding folk customs remain today. The second most important man is the bride’s father who hosts the wedding. He invites the guests to the wedding feast, to give speeches but of course, he gives his permission to the groom to marry his daughter. The duties of the best men start with going round the village to call the inhabitants to the wedding. They also lead in the festivities and entertain guests with poems and games. Antónia Drahovská