Erejnek

Erejnek is a minor settlement located in the eastern part of the Slovak Republic, within the administrative district of Košice. The village lies at an elevation of 310 metres above sea level and is situated approximately 45 kilometres southeast of Košice city centre. According to the most recent census data released by the Slovak Statistical Office in 2021, the population of Erejnek amounts to 318 residents, a slight increase from 305 in 2011. The majority of inhabitants are Slovak-speaking, with a small representation of Hungarian and Roma communities.

Historical records first mention Erejnek in a 14th-century land register compiled by the Kingdom of Hungary. The name is believed to derive from the Slavic word "erej" meaning "winter," reflecting the village’s long, cold winters. Over the centuries, Erejnek has remained a primarily agrarian community, with tilled fields and pastureland surrounding the settlement. In the late 19th century, a small wooden chapel was constructed, which still serves as the village's religious centre. The area gained modest recognition during the mid-20th century for its traditional folk music, preserved by local ensembles that perform at regional festivals.

Today, Erejnek is part of the Košice Region's rural development program, receiving funding for infrastructure improvements such as road upgrades and broadband internet expansion. The local economy continues to center on small-scale agriculture, with some residents commuting to nearby towns for additional employment. The village's cultural heritage is promoted through annual festivals celebrating traditional crafts, cuisine, and seasonal celebrations.