Empowering the community through cultural heritage in a marginalised locality: the case of Hrušov, Slovakia

The phenomenon of depopulation has been recognised as a significant challenge in many rural regions of the European Union. This phenomenon negatively affects demographic indicators as well as local communities along with their cultural heritage. A case study from Slovakia examines how the process of depopulation on the one hand weakens communities, but on the other hand also provides an opportunity for their revitalisation, strengthening vitality and developmental dynamics through the preservation and use of cultural heritage. The aim of the study is to identify the role that cultural heritage plays in the community development and resilience, and in shaping the life perspectives of its inhabitants. The authors seek to show how this heritage is utilised for the benefit of the community. The research was conducted in the depopulated and marginalised locality of Hrušov in Central Slovakia, using primarily ethnographic methods. The authors employed techniques such as interviews, observation, and analysis of textual documents to gather relevant and necessary data. They demonstrated positive examples of presenting cultural heritage in the village. The results showed that cultural heritage is a valuable tool supporting social relationships and contributing to local development, strengthening of the community vitality, sustainability and resilience.