In Slovakia there are different types of high schools. When kids turn 14, they are able to decide which one they want to go to. Some train them to do certain jobs. Tecnhical schools teach them the skills for a profession like being a hairdresser or mechanic, while gymnáziums prepare them to go to college. I teach at a gymnázium that is a lot like high school in America. Stužková happens before students take their final exam because the green ribbon is a symbol of hope in Slovakia. In order to graduate from the gymnázium, students must pass their final exam, which is called the Maturita. This test takes hours to finish and covers subjects such as English, Slovak, chemistry and biology.
Gymnáziums started to hold green ribbon ceremonies or Stužkovás after World War I, first in Hungary and then spreading across many countries in Central Europe, incluing Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany. Because Slovakia is located so close to Hungary, Stužková quickly became popular here, although the event looks a little different in every country where it happens.
