Events 2009 in Slovenia

2009www.slovenia.info

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Th e Calendar of Events of Slovenia has been published

since 1983. Along with the central calendar of events,

calendars of local events are also published by individ-

ual (tourist) areas and municipalities. A quick glimpse

at this distinctive documentation of tourism, cultural,

economic, social and other activities reveals wide va-

riety. Th e number of events of course increases over

weekends, and during the winter and summer holiday

months. Generally speaking, however, there is a rich

diversity of events throughout the year, as diverse

as the country itself and its people. Th ere are major

events with a wide range of side events, on the one

hand, and local events and social gatherings on the

other, all typical of Slovenia, which open a unique

insight into the local cultures, and the economic

and creative aspirations of the people living in vil-

lages, valleys, market towns, and cities. A part of

the country’s historical memory or cultural herit-

age, the most typical type of event is without doubt

the festivity or “veselica”, also called “šagra” in the

Mediterranean parts of the country. Th ese repre-

sent a special type of event for the local population

to meet, greet and have fun; they are based on a

certain cultural programme, but mostly associated

with eating, drinking and live music, which creates the

mood for dancing. It is the musical aspect that has un-

dergone signifi cant change in recent years. By employing

a more or less booming sound system, these traditional

festivities are increasingly transforming into something

approaching open-air discotheques. Th ese festivities also

vary according to organisation – fi re brigade, hunters’,

tourist and many other events. Th e following overview

includes no such festivities, fi rstly because there are too

many of them to be included in this representative selec-

tion, and secondly because many events with impressive

names are essentially nothing more than festivities.

For the sake of clarity, the varied range of events in Slov-

enia can be divided into several basic categories. Cultural

events are the most widespread: music, dance, art, thea-

tre and cinema. A number of festivals are held during the

summer months, the biggest and most diverse being the

Ljubljana Festival. Also numerous are sporting events,

from competitions to recreational activities, hikes and

bold action adventures. Slovenia hosts many expos and

trade fairs throughout the year. Th e latter, of course,

have an ancient history, as they evolved from traditional

town, market and village fairs with more than a hundred

Tasting Slovenia through events therefore

translates as discovering the country‘s di-

versity and multiplicity.

Events help people to discover the country‘s

natural and social environments, forms of

economic management, ways of having fun,

the wide spectrum of cultural creativity,

possibilities for sports and recreation, even

festive foods and drinks, and the creative

exchange of ideas at professionally execut-

ed conventions, symposia and other expert

meetings. In other words, there is always

something going on in Slovenia, which is

why it is so incredibly tempting to taste…

Anja Bukovec, Violinist

Taste Slovenian Events

years of tradition. Th ere are 120+ such fairs held around

Slovenia each year. Th e most common are peddlers’ and

cattle markets, and there are also fl ea markets, above all

in Ljubljana, held on the bank of the Ljubljanica River

each Sunday. Slovenia is also the perfect place to host

conventions and other expert meetings. An important

convention centre with a rich tradition can be found in

the capital, Ljubljana, and there are convention facilities

available in the coastal resort town of Portorož, as well

as other tourist spots, big and small. In addition, Slov-

enia takes pride in festivals based on traditional customs,

habits and ceremonies, representing the continuation of

traditional components of cultural heritage in modern

life. Among them are carnival customs with masquerade

parades, various forms of celebrations around Easter and

Christmas, ceremonies associated with other religious

festivals, and celebrations of bank holidays. Celebra-

tions in honour of St Martin, patron saint of wine, and

St Urban, patron saint of the grapevine, are very popu-

lar in Slovenia’s winegrowing areas. Grape harvests, too,

are more than mere work – they are important festive

ceremonies associated with eating and drinking, hav-

ing fun, socialising and lively merrymaking at the end

of the winegrowing season in vineyards. At the family

level, winter traditionally holds one of the biggest festi-

vals: the pig-killing time (“koline”) and the production

of fresh, semi-fresh and cured meat products. Tourist

events in Slovenia include many that aim to provide

interpretation of the country’s cultural heritage. Th is

means that the cultural heritage is presented on stage

or in hotel lobbies, in more or less original settings

and other venues, though often in a rather stereotypi-

cal and simplifi ed form. Slovenia is less successful in

terms of consistently organising events which would

serve as faithful historical manifestations of every-

day life and holidays. A large portion of these events

are held in villages, even towns, with the aim of dem-

onstrating various tasks and habits and providing

a valuable insight into the lives of our predecessors

through history. And, fi nally, there are many new

events that stem from modern creativity and need

of people to meet, have fun and learn about culture.

A great many of these target the youth population.

Th ese events generally involve new media, move to

the sphere of alternative culture, and promote the

search for diverse forms of creativity.

At the heart of snow-covered scenery and at the heart of cities and

towns. Th ere is no time for hibernation, as the New Year brings

many exciting new adventures. See what winter has to off er and

make your choice.

4 February/March

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ventive way of pointing out that Slovenia

has all the basic types of European masks,

of course in their local and regional variants

and versions. Carnival action in modern-day

Slovenia reaches its peak in the period from

the pre-carnival Th ursday (“Fat Th ursday”),

to carnival Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.

However, a wide range of events and celebra-

tions, which can be grouped into three basic

types, are held during this short carnival

season.

Firstly, there are a number of distinctly lo-

cal carnival parades, which continue several

hundred years of tradition. Th ese parades

of course have a more or less representative

character nowadays, but in the past repre-

sented popular eff orts aimed at chasing

away the winter as early as possible and ush-

ering in the long-awaited spring. In north-

eastern Slovenia – the Drava River Basin,

Ptuj Basin and Haloze – the main carnival

fi gures are the kurenti, locally referred to

as koranti, the relics of exceptionally archaic

carnival fi gures dressed in sheepskin, wear-

ing elaborate trimmings and bells around

their waists. Along with numerous other

traditional carnival fi gures, koranti ramble

through the villages and visit the homes

of local people. Th e main carnival protago-

nists in Cerkno are lavfarji, wearing elabo-

rately carved wooden masks and dressed

in clothing made from natural materials

(straw, ivy, moss, spruce branches, etc.). If

you can’t make it to the parade, there is a

remarkable exhibition of lavfarji on display

in the Cerkno museum. Very expressive

and eerie masks can be found in Drežnica

above Kobarid, in the Soča Valley, and the

picturesque škoromati, which with many-

coloured tall hats and wooden masks roam

the Brkini Hills. Th e masked fi gures from

Lig above Kanal, orači (ploughers) in Lan-

cova Vas, koranti and other carnival fi gures

in Markovci and Zabovci, the masked fi g-

ures in Ponikve and the Dobrepolje Valley,

in the Dolenjska region, and many others all

bear testimony to the fact that the ancient

carnival heritage lives on.

Another type of carnival masks carrying on

the carnival tradition can be found in towns.

Th ese include pust in Cerknica, šelma in

Kostanjevica in the Dolenjska region,

pstnaki in Mozirje, godlerji in Šenčur,

and many more. Th e fundamental substance

of the carnival rambles and parades is the

symbiosis of heritage and critical views on

the developments in the local cultural arena

and the world as a whole.

Th e third and fi nal strand is represented by

the new carnival forms of the last 50 years,

which merge the carnival tradition with re-

sponses to modern global issues and take

the form of street parades accompanied

by various entertainment, musical, culi-

nary and other events. Th e oldest carnival

of this type is held in Ptuj (this year is the

49th), and other street parades of this type

are held in the capital, Ljubljana, and some

other towns.

In all the carnival excitement, don’t forget

to taste the delicious carnival doughnuts,

deep-fried fl ancati pastry, exquisite meat

and other culinary delicacies typical of the

carnival season.

CASTLES MADE OF SNOW,

NOT CASTLES IN THE AIR17th “King Matjaž Castles” snow castle

building,

Črna na Koroškem, 31 Jan.–1 Feb.

Th is creative event held in the Koroška re-

gion, with teams building various types of

castles from snow, is a tradition centred

on King Matjaž, a popular fi gure from

Slovenian folklore. His character is said

to be based on the well-liked Hungarian

king Matija Korvin (1458–1490). His

popularity among the people of Slovenia

and several other countries (Hungary,

Romania, Slovakia and Croatia) grew on

the back of his eff ective defence against

Turkish raids, and particularly his ef-

forts to improve living conditions for

the farming population. In poetic and

narrative forms, the king is not a fac-

tual or historical fi gure, but a mythical

one, featured across many contexts.

One tale has it that King Matjaž, along

with his army, is asleep deep in the

bowels of Mt Peca, and that people

will again see good times once he has

awakened.

SLOVENIA

EUROPE IN MINIATURE49th Kurentovanje Carnival,

21–24 Feb., and many other car-

nivals around the country

Th e heading above lists the conclud-

ing observation of Slovenian eth-

nologist Niko Kuret (1906–1995),

taken from his monograph titled

Slovenian Regional Masks (Maske

slovenskih pokrajin). It is an in-

5

FEBRUARY

07/02 | Maribor

13th Downhill snow sledging and Rally

of Vintage Snow Vehicles

18-22/02 | Ljubljana

Gibanica –

4th Slovenian Dance Festival

21, 22 and 24/02 | across Slovenia

Traditional and contemporary

Shrovetide events and carnivals

24/02 | Ptuj

‘Kurentovanje / Kurenti’ 49th Festival –

Traditional Mardi Gras and Easter Fair

28/02 - 01/03 | Kranjska Gora

48th Vitranc Cup –

Men's Alpine Skiing World Cup, Slalom

and Giant Slalom

MARCH

28/03 - 19/04 | Škofj a Loka

Škofj a Loka Passion Play

02-07/03 | Maribor

World Ski & Snowboarding Instructors

Championships

19-22/03 | Planica

Ski Flying World Championships;

conclusion of World Cup ski fl ying

season


11th International Documentary Film

Festival

APRIL

17-19/04 | Maribor

42nd Šalamun Memorial Artistic

Gymnastics World Cup

25-26/04 | Piran and Sečovlje Regional

Park salt works

Festival of Saltmaking on St George's Day

25-26/04 | Bled

First of May Rowing Regatta

25-26/04 | Maribor

Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup

25/04-03/05 | Volčji Potok, Arboretum

Spring Flower Show

Kurent, Traditional Mask

6 March-May

May curiosity hold you by the hand and take you where joyous

sounds abound. Th e festival of life is on the doorstep. Memories

of tradition and opportunities for modern creativity are awake-

ning. Abandon yourself to all the action! A T

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THREE TIMES AS MUCH SALT FOR

THOSE IN LOVE!Festival of Salt-making on St George’s

Day, Piran and Sečovlje Salt-pans Land-

scape Park, 25–26 Apr.

Despite a relatively short coastline, Slovenia

has two areas of salt-pans, which boast more

than 700 years of tradition: the Strunjan

and Sečovlje salt-pans. Th e latter span some

850 hectares of land at the mouth of the

Dragonja River. Centuries ago, the health-

giving properties of the mud and brine from

the two salt-pans would attract individuals

looking to improve their general health. Th e

salt-pans also formed the basis for the devel-

opment of tourism from the end of the 19th

century. Th e work in the salt-pans, distinct-

ly seasonal in nature, began on St George’s

Day each year (24 April). On this day, the

people of Piran would festively board their

small boats and head for the saltpans, where

salters’ houses and shared ovens for baking

bread awaited them. Two other important

days for salt-makers were the name days of

St Odorik (9 Jul.), marking the beginning

of the salt harvest, and St Jernej (24 Aug.),

marking the end of the salt-making season.

To honour these festive occasions, the town

of Piran and the salt-pans organise an event

which provides a rich insight into the tradi-

tional life and work of salt-makers and their

families. It is especially interesting because

visitors can learn about the salt-making

process and the painstaking eff orts of salt-

makers. Naturally, the salt is also available

for visitors to buy and take home. A popu-

lar delicacy, the salt fl ower produced at the

Sečovlje salt-pans is today a celebrated spice

used by the greatest names in cooking from

both Europe and the USA.

THE EARLIEST PRESERVED

DRAMATIC WORK IN

THE SLOVENIAN LANGUAGEProcessio Locopolitana, 1721,

Škofj a Loka, 28. Mar. - 19. Apr.

Apart from the well-preserved old town, the

medieval town of Škofj a Loka (established

973) takes great pride in having the earliest

preserved dramatic work written in the Slov-

enian language, the Škofj a Loka Passion Play

(Processio Locopolitana), which was written

by Capuchin Romuald Marušič in 1721 for

a penitent procession and which represents

one of most prominent parts of Slovenian

baroque literature. Individual processions,

all featuring numerous actors, are divided

into 13 scenes depicting Christ’s suff ering,

sins, and the acts of saints, Christ’s execu-

tioners, and the people on all the continents

known at the time. Th e Škofj a Loka Passion

Play was performed in the open air and on

stage periodically up until the Second World

War. It was re-staged in the town streets and

markets of Škofj a Loka after many decades

in 1999, featuring over 600 actors, more

than 80 on horseback. After a lapse of ten

years, the play is again scheduled for 2009.

For this grand performance, the old town

centre of Škofj a Loka transforms into a gi-

ant open-air theatre. What is more, there

are many stalls selling a wide range of au-

thentic products and souvenirs, and typical

local dishes, including dishes made to origi-

nal recipes dating from the beginning of the

18th century.

7

MAY

May | Novo mesto

Cviček Week

02-03/05 | Bovec, trdnjava Kluže

Soča River Stories – Soča Valley

Heritage Fair

07-10/05 | across Slovenia

DOS Extreme Road Cycling Race –

World Cup of Ultracycling

07-12/05 | Portorož

Internautica International Boat Show

15/05 | Towns and cities across Slovenia

Graduation Parade –

the largest synchronised dance in the world

18–29/05 | Ljubljana

25th International Festival of

Alternative and Ethno Music

22–25/05 | Ptuj

20th Bounties of Slovenian Farms

23/05–06/06 | Bohinj

3rd International Alpine Flower Festival

in Bohinj

JUNE

June | Lipica

World Cup International Dressage

Competition

June | Velenje

International Athletics Competition –

EAA

June, July | Slovenj Gradec

2009 Slovenj Gradec Summer -

musical event

June | Portorož

Melodies of Sea and Sun Festival

June-August | Koper, Izola, Portorož

Primorska Summer Festival 2009 –

theatre and dance events

Juni-August | Celje, Stari grad

Summer in City of Princes

June–September | Postojna

11th International Youth Music Festival

12/06 | Postojna

Postojna Blues Festival

Final concert of 2008/09

12-14/06 | Bled

54th International Rowing Regatta

13/06 | Kranjska Gora

2009 European Mountain Bike

Downhill Championships

Saltpans

FROM NATURE ONTO THE TABLE

20th “Slovenian Farm Delicacies”

exhibition,

Ptuj, 23.–26. May

Th e Minorite monastery in Ptuj will be

hosting Slovenia’s 20th central exhibition

of home-made delicacies from Slovenian

farms. Th e exhibition will start with an

expert evaluation of dairy, meat and fl our

(bread, pastry, cakes) products, fruit

juices, vinegar, wine, dried fruit, brandy,

olive and pumpkin oils, jams and fruit

wines. Winners of the competition re-

ceive a diploma. More than 700 farms

from across the country participate in

the exhibition each year, and the event

is accompanied by a rich cultural pro-

gramme and stalls selling a wide vari-

ety of foods and drinks. Th e exhibition

off ers an excellent overview of the

gastronomic opportunities off ered by

modern Slovenia.

8 May-June

Warm rays of sunshine bring to life even the narrowest city

streets, and nature takes on an irresistible face. Th ere is fresh ex-

citement behind every corner. So, what are you waiting for, start

exploring! EN

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SHAPES, COLOURS AND

FRAGRANCES OF NATURE3rd International Wild Flower Festival,

Bohinj, 23. May–6. Jun.

Th e Julian Alps are a quintessential Alpine

garden and have captivated botanists since

as early as the 18th century. Given that the

mountains of the Bohinj area are home to

a rich array of wild fl owers, the festival is

hosted in a perfect natural setting. Th e fes-

tival organisers not only arrange for a tour

of wild fl owers in their natural habitat, and

off er great opportunities for excellent fl oral

photography, but also provide comprehen-

sive background information about the sites

where the wildfl owers thrive, as well as their

application and role within the contexts of

cultural and natural heritage. Numerous

events, workshops and expert meetings on

the topic of fl owers are also featured. Th e

organisers set up exhibitions and a fl ower

market, and educate visitors about the prop-

er way of gathering herbs and wild fl owers.

What is more, the events play an education-

al role, helping to develop respect for the

natural environment and to reject anything

that might in harm the lush fl ora of the Al-

pine world.

ENDLESSLY INTERWOVEN

THREADS28th Idrija Lace Festival,

Idrija, 19.–21. Jun.

Formerly a mining town with a world-famous

mercury mine (founded in 1490), Idrija was

inhabited by miners coming mainly from the

former German states, who brought with

them – particularly from the 18th century on-

wards – the skills and knowledge of lacemak-

ing. Th is handicraft then gradually evolved

into an important additional source of in-

come for big families. Lacemakers – predomi-

nantly women though some men – came up

with distinctive technological features that

are now inextricable components of Idrija

lace, which was given a protected geographi-

cal indication in 2000. Th e Idrija Lace School,

established in 1876 and still open, registered

as many as 183 women students in its fi rst

year. Th e tradition of lacemaking has seen

major developments, and has been preserved

to this day, in Idrija, its surroundings, and in

other places around Slovenia. Th e Idrija Lace

Days, held annually since the 1960s, are the

central event dedicated to Slovenian creativ-

ity in lacemaking. Th e festival, this year held

for the 27th time, transforms Idrija into a gi-

ant lace, metaphorically and almost literally!

Th e festival encompasses exhibitions, work-

shops, fashion shows, and the grandest part

of the festival – the opening ceremony. Vari-

ous performances, concerts and lacemaking

contests are also held during the festival, and

visitors get to learn fi rst-hand about the mas-

tery of interweaving threads, and of course

are off ered the opportunity to buy lace. Bands

create a festive mood for mingling and danc-

ing, and local caterers serve a wide variety

of dishes, including local culinary delicacies,

the most famous of which are the delicious

dough pockets with a potato stuffi ng called

Idrija žlikrofi . Another major centre of lace-

making, Železniki, holds its traditional Days

of Lacemaking 11–19 July. Held for the 47th

time, this event also has a long and venerable

tradition.

9

JUNE


4th European Universities Handball

Championship

17-21/06 | Črnomelj

St George's Festival in Bela Krajina

19-21/06 | Idrija

28th Idrija Lace Festival

20-21/06 | Maribor

Mountain Bike World Cup, Downhill &

4-Cross

24–28/06 | Murska Sobota

Murska Sobota Days Festival

26–28/6 | Otočec

Rock Otočec Festival

26/06–11/07 | Maribor

LENT Festival 2009

27/06–05/07 | Nova Gorica

13th International Meeting of

Saxophonists

29/6–5/7 | Ljubljana

50th Jazz Ljubljana Festival

30/06–29/08 | Brežice

Brežice Seviqc of Early Music 2009 –

classical music concerts featuring artists

of international renown

JULY

July | Kočevje/Predgrad

Prangerjada – Mediaeval Event

July | Slovenska Bistrica, castle

Old Bistrica Evenings – Music & Th eatre

July, August | Novo mesto

Novo Mesto Summer Nights –

Cultural Events

July, August | Bled

Bled Summer events

July, August | Bohinj

Bohinj Musical Summer

July, August | Bovec, trdnjava Kluže

Kluže Festival

July, August | Koper

PUF 2009 –

Festival of Street Puppet Th eatre


Koperground

Idrija Lace

10 June-August

Long sunlit days perfect for soaking up the lively summer action.

Pleasant evenings spent in the open air. Warm nights keeping you

company until early morning. Everything is on hand! Take a look

where you will be pampering your senses this summer.CR

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SWORDS CROSSED

Erazem‘s Mediaeval Tournament,

Predjama near Postojna, 19. Jul.

Close to Postojna Cave stands Jama Castle

(literally „cave castle“), today called Predja-

ma Castle. Th anks to its spectacular setting

in the middle of a steep karst cliff , at the

entrance to a karst cave, the castle fi res the

imagination of many visitors. Th e medieval

knights‘ tournament held here is undou-

btedly the most authoritative event among a

number of tournaments and performances

depicting medieval life in the castles and

towns of Slovenia. Th e tournament is

named after a lord of the castle, Erazem

IV, whose turbulent and rather violent life

ended in this very castle, his family legacy,

in the second half of the 15th century. Im-

prisoned in Ljubljana for a wide range of of-

fences, Erazem managed to escape to Jama

Cave, which was then immediately besieged

on the emperor‘s order. According to written

and oral tradition, Erazem paid no attention

to his attackers, he even tempted them by

throwing cherries through the window of

this impenetrable castle; siege or no siege,

the cherries were supplied regularly through

the secret natural subterranean passage lea-

ding from the Vipava Valley. It wasn‘t until

Erazem was betrayed from the inside that

the attackers fi nally managed to kill him.

Th ey aimed a cannon at the toilet window,

which the traitor had marked with a lamp,

waited for Erazem to come, and then fi red.

SUMMER FESTIVALS

From Maribor and Ljubljana to Radovljica

and Brežice

Slovenia‘s summer events season is mar-

ked by a number of festivals. Th ese include

music, literature, theatre, fi lm and other

art forms and are generally held in function

halls, castles, atriums and in the open air.

Boasting the longest tradition, and the most

comprehensive and varied programme, the

Ljubljana Summer Festival takes place at

Križanke Summer Th eatre, Ljubljana Castle

and other venues around the city. Maribor‘s

Lent Festival, which is held at venues along

the Drava River, is the fi rst in a series of

summer festivals. Th e summer season also

sees a number of smaller themed festivals,

for instance, the Radovljica Early Music Fe-

stival; the Early Music Festival at Brežice

Castle; the Tartini Festival in Piran, which

is entirely dedicated to music; Trnfest in

Ljubljana, with music and theatre events,

dance shows and art exhibitions; the Gross-

mann Film and Wine Festival in Ljutomer,

the 40th Popular Folk Music Festival in Ptuj,

and others.

PENALTIES FOR DISTURBING

PEACE AND ORDER»Prangerijada«,

Kočevje/Predgrad, 17.-18. Jul.

In medieval towns and marketplaces,

anyone found to be disturbing peace and

order – and other off enders as well – were

tied to pillories and exposed to public

humiliation. Th ese pillories, or prangerji

in Slovene, are preserved in many towns

around the country. Th ey are the com-

mon thread behind the central annual

event named Prangerijada, which brings

together these towns. Th e event is hi-

storical, educational and social. Visitors

see reconstructions of life in the Middle

Ages and the way that off enders were

punished in those days. Th ese perfor-

mances of course exhibit a great deal of

humour and often address issues of the

modern world – or at least raise certa-

in comparisons. Organisers provide

refreshments, music for dancing, and

other social activities.

11

JULY

July, August (every Friday) | Piran

Piran Musical Evenings

01–05/07 | Koper

European Street Dance Championships

01–07/07 | Tolmin

Metal Camp Tolmin –

festival of metal music


Ana Desetnica – 12th International

Festival of Street Th eatre

02–05/07 | Koper, Izola, Piran

MIFF – Mediterranean International

Folklore Festival

02–16/07 | Bled

Bled 2009 – 14th International Music

Festival

15/07 | Postojna

18th “Furman” (Wagoner’s) Festival

06/07–28/08 | Ljubljana

Ljubljana Festival 2009

11–19/07 | Železniki

47th Lacemaking Days

19/07 | Postojna, Predjama Castle

Erasmus Knights’ Tournament

23–26/07 | Ptuj

13th International Hot-Air Balloon

Festival Ptuj 2009

24–26/07 | Bled

Bled Days and Bled Night –

fi reworks and light show on the lake

25/07 | Bohinj

Kmečka ohcet / Peasants’ Wedding –

traditional presentation of ancient

wedding customs

28/07–31/08 | Ljubljana

18th Trnfest Festival – musical evenings,

theatre and dance performances, art

exhibitions

31/07–16/08 | Bled

19th Bled Ethno Festival – performances

by renowned foreign and Slovenian folk

musicians

AUGUST

August | Portorož

International Beach Volleyball

Tournament

August | Bovec

Čompa's Night

August | Ljutomer

Grossman Film and Wine Festival

Th eatre Performance Prince Igor

12 July-September

Whenever you have a pleasant experience, it is a good day. Keep

your eyes and ears open. Listen to the stories created by sounds,

images, smells, tastes and touches. Relish the diversity of the ac-

tion!GO

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STORIES OF GRAPHIC PRINTS

28th International Biennial of Graphic

Arts,

Ljubljana, 4. Sep.–25. Oct.

Th e inaugural International Biennial of

Graphic Arts was held in Ljubljana in 1955.

Since then, it has evolved into the most

prominent event, or rather the most author-

itative overview of contemporary creativity,

in graphic arts. In terms of styles and tech-

nical advancement in the sphere of graphic

arts, it presents a challenge in its own right.

Th e International Biennial of Graphic Arts is

the main event of this type in both Ljubljana

and Slovenia.

MARKETS AND FAIRS

Numerous traditional and contemporary

fairs across Slovenia

Th e tradition of organising various markets

and fairs stretches back several centuries and

has survived to this day. Diff erent types of

fairs and markets are held in towns, squares

and villages, ranging from peddlers’ and cat-

tle markets, to specialised and fl ea markets.

Th ese events coincide with local market days

or local festivities in celebration of a local

church or its patron saint. Th e traditional

fairs are complemented by large contempo-

rary trade fairs held in Ljubljana, Celje and

Gornja Radgona. Th e largest among them is

the International Trade Fair in Celje (9–16

September). Th e Ribnica Woodenware and

Pottery Fair (Ribnica, 6 September) is a spe-

cialised fair, off ering products characteristic

of those parts of Slovenia i.e. woodenware

and pottery. Th is year’s fair will be held for

the 34th time, and the 10th Arts and Crafts

Fair will also be held alongside.

NA GOLICI TROMPETENECHO

Avsenik Festival 2009,

Begunje na Gorenjskem, 4.-6. Sep.

Th e picturesque village of Begunje, located

at the base of the Karavanke Alps, is the

birthplace of brothers Vilko and Slavko

Avsenik, who established the Avsenik

Brothers Quintet 56 years ago and started

performing a special musical genre re-

ferred to as popular folk music. A defi n-

ing characteristic of Slovenia, this type

of music is today known all over the

world; what is more, the Avsenik ensem-

ble inspired numerous bands around the

globe. Th e Begunje-based Pri Jožovcu

Inn, the home of the Avseniks, is widely

regarded as the popular folk music cen-

tre of Slovenia. Apart from the next

generation of Avsenik followers, the

Avsenik Festival, held in a pavilion,

hosts numerous music ensembles and

guests from Slovenia and abroad. Th e

festival boasts a diverse programme,

which is accompanied by dances and

a host of other activities.

13

AUGUST

August–20/09 | Ljubljana

Festival of Mediaeval and Renaissance

Music and Mediaeval Day in Ljubljana

2009

07–09/08 | Bohinj

Kresna noč / Midsummer Night

14/08 | Piran

“With the Stars under the Stars”

– selection of Miss Alpe/Adria

International and rich entertainment

programme

15/08 |Ankaran

Mediaeval Market

15–23/08 |Črna na Koroškem

54th Koroška Tourist Week, traditional

events

15–30/08 | Kamnik

Kamfest – concerts, theatre

performances, exhibitions and other

events


International Young Lions Festival

21–22/08 | Ptuj

40th Popular Folk Music Festival

22/08 | Maribor

21st International Vintage Car Rally

Štajerska 2009


11th International Children's Mini

Summer Festival

29/08 | Celje, Stari grad

Mediaeval event at the Old Castle in

Celje

29/08–12/09 | Piran

8th Tartini Festival

SEPTEMBER

September | Jama Vilenica

24th International Literary Festival

Vilenica 2009

September | Ljubljana

Ex Ponto – 16th International Festival

of Contemporary Th eatre Production

September–December | Ljubljana

Mini Th eatre Festival – music, theatre

& visual arts

03–13/09 | Maribor

Festival Maribor – international festival

of classical music

Traditional National Costume

14 September-November

Nature robed in magical costumes, ready to have a long rest. You,

however, should not put your feet up for more than a couple of

hours in the afternoon, as the autumn months off er countless

possibilities for exciting leisure activities. CO

LO

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A DAY FOR SLOVENIAN

THEATRE44th Borštnik Meeting, Slovenian Th ea-

tre Festival, Maribor, 16. - 28.10.

Th e Borštnik Meeting is the central tradi-

tional theatre festival in Slovenia, and was

named after the famous Slovenian thea-

tre actor Ignacij Borštnik (1858–1919).

Th e Borštnik Ring, the leading national

award for actors and actresses, presented

each year to an individual in recognition

of 25 years of theatre experience, is also

named after him. Th e annual meetings

of Slovenian theatres have been held in

Maribor since 1966, always in the form

of a contest. Besides the Borštnik Ring,

other awards are also presented.

THERE’S NO WINE WITHOUT

ST MARTIN!Th ere’s no wine without St Martin!,

around 11. Nov.

St Martin’s Day (11 November), when must

turns into wine according to oral tradition,

is without doubt one of Slovenia’s largest

and most popular festivals. Th e importance

of this festival is evident in the sheer scope

of festivities. When 11 November is in the

fi rst half of the week, St Martin’s Saturday

and Sunday fall on the weekend before that

date, otherwise on the following Saturday

and Sunday. Most often it is celebrated at

both weekends and on St Martin’s Day. Th ese

festivities are most widespread in the three

wine regions of Slovenia. Th e celebrations

come in a variety of forms: from carrying on

the tradition of celebrating St Martin’s Day,

to masked group performances and various

merrymaking festivals, to young wine tast-

ings, wine exhibitions and other events. St

Martin’s festivities traditionally feature a

special menu – a roast duck, or even better,

goose, with steamed red cabbage and mlinci

pasta tatters on the side.

A PEEK AT THE BIG SCREEN

LIFFE –20th Ljubljana International Film

Festival, Ljubljana, 11.-22. Nov.

Th e Ljubljana International Film Festival

is a real treat for fi lm buff s. Some 100 fea-

ture fi lms and a handful of short fi lms are

presented at the festival, some of which

are included in the Pre-premiere section.

Th e screening rights for the latter have al-

ready been purchased by Slovenian fi lm dis-

tributors, who will screen them in cinemas

throughout the country. Films in the Per-

spectives section also attract a lot of inter-

est. Th is section includes fi lms rated by an

international jury. Th e best fi lm receives a

cash prize and the Kingfi sher Award. In ad-

dition, viewers choose their favourite fi lm,

and a winner is also selected by the Inter-

national Association of Film Critics. Great

importance is attached to the award pre-

sented to the best fi lm on the topic of hu-

man rights, which is presented by Amnesty

International Slovenia.

15

SEPTEMBER

04–05/09 | Moravske Toplice

56th World Ploughing Contest

04–06/09 | Begunje in Gorenjska

Avsenik Festival 2009

04/09–25/10 | Ljubljana

28th Graphics Biennial

05/09 | Ptuj

7th Ptuj Castle Games – heritage and

folklore event

06/09 | Ribnica

34th Ribnica Fair & 10th Crafts Festival

09–16/09 | Celje

42nd International Trade Fair

11–13/09 | Kamnik

39th National Costume Festival


Meeting at Tromeja

13/09 oder 20/09 | Bohinj

Kravji bal in Ukanc/ Cow Ball

traditional alpine cattle herders' event

18–27/09 | Maribor

9th Festival of the Old Vine

20/09 | Maribor

24th Rafters' Initiation

20/09 | Piran

DEKD – European days of cultural

heritage and antiques fair

OCTOBER

16 -28/10 | Maribor

44th Borštnik Festival - Slovenian and

European theatre group competition


City of Women – 15th International

Festival of Contemporary Arts

25/10 | Ljubljana

Ljubljana Marathon

Ptuj Wine Cellar

16 December

First snow brings fi rst excitement. Snowfl akes herald the festive

season. Magical experiences as far as the eye can see. Th e cities

and towns are set aglow by countless lights showing the way for

all romantic souls. Th ere is something interesting for everyone.

Take a peek and choose something for yourself to enjoy.TIM

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PIXXELPOINT 2009

International Digital Art Festival

Nova Gorica, 04. - 11. Dec.

In the 10 years since its inception, the

festival has evolved into one of the lead-

ing new media art festivals both at home

and abroad. Th e mission of the festival is

to bring information technology closer

to the general public. It aims mostly at

young people who are keen to learn about

new and alternative ways of using com-

puters. Th e festival encourages artistic

and theoretical creativity and at the

same time plays an important role in

cross-border co-operation. Th anks to

the festival, information technology is

shown in a simple and more easily un-

derstandable way.

NATIVITY SCENES

Nativity scene exhibitions and nativity

scenes in churches and public places

Th e mass popularity of setting up nativity

scenes fi rst started emerging in the 19th

century, fi rst in the Alpine and central

parts of Slovenia, and then gradually spread

throughout the country. A rich heritage

of nativity scenes, and numerous types of

modern nativity scenes, are on display at

exhibition grounds and in churches. Some

nativity scenes of exquisite craftsman-

ship can also be found in private homes. At

Christmas, nativity scenes are generally set

up at home and in churches. Th ere are, how-

ever, certain exceptions to this rule. Firstly,

there are numerous live nativity scenes, the

most famous of which can be seen in the

spectacular subterranean setting of Posto-

jna Cave. Live nativity scenes with a wide

cast of characters are set up in many places,

big and small. Mojstrana’s nativity scene in

ice is an especially spectacular sight. In Ba-

novci, a town known for its spa, practically

every house sets up an outdoor nativity

scene, which collectively make up a fascinat-

ing gallery.

WISHES COME TRUE

Bell sunk into the lake at Christmas,

Bled, 25. Dec.

Th is evening event, which takes place at

Christmas, is based on Lake Bled’s legend of

the sunken bell.

According to the legend, some time in the

Middle Ages, the husband of a young Bled

Castle mistress was murdered by bandits,

and his body thrown into the lake. After the

incident, the inconsolable widow had a bell

cast, which was intended for the chapel on

the Bled island. But the bell never made it to

the island. It sank in a raging storm, along

with the boat and the boatmen. According

to the story, even today, on a clear night, you

can hear the sunken bell ringing from the

depths of the lake. After the unfortunate

accident, the widow sold all her belongings

and donated the proceeds for the construc-

tion of a church on the island. She became a

nun in Rome, where she lived with God for

the rest of her life. After she died, the Pope

consecrated a new bell and had it delivered

to the island. Even today, visitors make

wishes while ringing the bell. Th e ringing

is said to transmit your wish to the Lady of

the Lake, who is known to grant wishes very

generously.

17

NOVEMBER

11/11 | Places in Slovenian wine

regions

Martinovanje / St Martin’s Festival

wine harvest festival


LIFFe – 20th International fi lm festival

of Ljubljana

DECEMBER

December | Across Slovenia

Christmas and New Year’s events

04–11/12 | Nova Gorica

PIXXELPOINT 2009 – International

Digital Art Festival


Exhibitions of nativity scenes, nativity

scenes in churches, in ice and live

nativity tableaux

19/12–3/01 | Postojna

Living Creche in Postojna Cave

24/12 | Kamnik

Midnight Mass at Velika Planina –

Chapel of St Mary of the Snows

25/12 | Bled

Legend of the Sunken Bell

31/12 | Across Slovenia

New Year celebrations and fi reworks

2010 Calendar of Major Events in

Slovenia

JANUARY

2531/1 | Bled

World Winter Masters Games

APRIL

23/4/201023/4/2011 | Ljubljana

Ljubljana – UNESCO World Book

Capital 2010

Sinking of the Bell, Bled

25-26/04 | Piran and Sečovlje Regional Park

salt works

Festival of Saltmaking on St George's Day

25-26/04 | Bled

First of May Rowing Regatta

25-26/04 | Maribor

Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup

25/04-03/05 | Volčji Potok, Arboretum

Spring Flower Show

MAY

May | Novo mesto

Cviček Week

02-03/05 | Bovec, trdnjava Kluže

Soča River Stories – Soča Valley Heritage Fair

07-10/05 | across Slovenia

DOS Extreme Road Cycling Race –

World Cup of Ultracycling

07-12/05 | Portorož

Internautica International Boat Show

15/05 | Towns and cities across Slovenia

Graduation Parade –

the largest synchronised dance in the world


25th International Festival of Alternative and

Ethno Music

22–25/05 | Ptuj

20th Bounties of Slovenian Farms

23/05–06/06 | Bohinj

3rd International Alpine Flower Festival in

Bohinj

JUNE

June | Lipica

World Cup International Dressage

Competition

June | Velenje

International Athletics Competition – EAA

June, July | Slovenj Gradec

2009 Slovenj Gradec Summer -

musical event

June | Portorož

Melodies of Sea and Sun Festival

June-August | Koper, Izola, Portorož

Primorska Summer Festival 2009 – theatre

and dance events

Juni-August | Celje, Stari grad

Summer in City of Princes

June–September | Postojna

11th International Youth Music Festival

12/06 | Postojna

Postojna Blues Festival

Final concert of 2008/09

12-14/06 | Bled

54th International Rowing Regatta

FEBRUARY

07/02 | Maribor

13th Downhill snow sledging and Rally of

Vintage Snow Vehicles


Gibanica –

4th Slovenian Dance Festival

21, 22 and 24/02 | across Slovenia

Traditional and contemporary Shrovetide

events and carnivals

24/02 | Ptuj

‘Kurentovanje / Kurenti’ 49th Festival –

Traditional Mardi Gras and Easter Fair

28/02 - 01/03 | Kranjska Gora

48th Vitranc Cup –

Men's Alpine Skiing World Cup, Slalom and

Giant Slalom

MARCH

28/03 - 19/04 | Škofj a Loka

Škofj a Loka Passion Play

02-07/03 | Maribor

World Ski & Snowboarding Instructors

Championships

19-22/03 | Planica

Ski Flying World Championships; conclusion

of World Cup ski fl ying season


11th International Documentary Film

Festival

APRIL

17-19/04 | Maribor

42nd Šalamun Memorial Artistic Gymnastics

World Cup


2009 European Mountain Bike Downhill

Championships


4th European Universities Handball

Championship

17-21/06 | Črnomelj

St George's Festival in Bela Krajina

19-21/06 | Idrija

28th Idrija Lace Festival

20-21/06 | Maribor

Mountain Bike World Cup, Downhill &

4-Cross

24–28/06 | Murska Sobota

Murska Sobota Days Festival

26–28/6 | Otočec

Rock Otočec Festival

26/06–11/07 | Maribor

LENT Festival 2009

27/06–05/07 | Nova Gorica

13th International Meeting of Saxophonists

29/6–5/7 | Ljubljana

50th Jazz Ljubljana Festival

30/06–29/08 | Brežice

Brežice Seviqc of Early Music 2009 –

classical music concerts featuring artists of

international renown

JULY

July | Kočevje/Predgrad

Prangerjada – Mediaeval Event

July | Slovenska Bistrica, castle

Old Bistrica Evenings – Music & Th eatre

July, August | Novo mesto

Novo Mesto Summer Nights –

Cultural Events

July, August | Bled

Bled Summer events

July, August | Bohinj

Bohinj Musical Summer

July, August | Bovec, trdnjava Kluže

Kluže Festival


PUF 2009 –

Festival of Street Puppet Th eatre


Koperground

July, August (every Friday) | Piran

Piran Musical Evenings

01–05/07 | Koper

European Street Dance Championships

01–07/07 | Tolmin

Metal Camp Tolmin –

festival of metal music

EV

EN

TS


Ana Desetnica – 12th International Festival

of Street Th eatre

02–05/07 | Koper, Izola, Piran

MIFF – Mediterranean International

Folklore Festival

02–16/07 | Bled

Bled 2009 – 14th International Music Festival

15/07 | Postojna

18th “Furman” (Wagoner’s) Festival

06/07–28/08 | Ljubljana

Ljubljana Festival 2009

11–19/07 | Železniki

47th Lacemaking Days

19/07 | Postojna, Predjama Castle

Erasmus Knights’ Tournament

23–26/07 | Ptuj

13th International Hot-Air Balloon Festival

Ptuj 2009

24–26/07 | Bled

Bled Days and Bled Night –

fi reworks and light show on the lake

25/07 | Bohinj

Kmečka ohcet / Peasants’ Wedding –

traditional presentation of ancient wedding

customs

28/07–31/08 | Ljubljana

18th Trnfest Festival – musical evenings,

theatre and dance performances, art

exhibitions

31/07–16/08 | Bled

19th Bled Ethno Festival – performances

by renowned foreign and Slovenian folk

musicians

AUGUST

August | Portorož

International Beach Volleyball Tournament

August | Bovec

Čompa's Night

August | Ljutomer

Grossman Film and Wine Festival

August–20/09 | Ljubljana

Festival of Mediaeval and Renaissance Music

and Mediaeval Day in Ljubljana 2009

07–09/08 | Bohinj

Kresna noč / Midsummer Night

14/08 | Piran

“With the Stars under the Stars” – selection

of Miss Alpe/Adria International and rich

entertainment programme

15/08 |Ankaran

Mediaeval Market

15–23/08 |Črna na Koroškem

54th Koroška Tourist Week, traditional

events

15–30/08 | Kamnik

Kamfest – concerts, theatre performances,

exhibitions and other events


International Young Lions Festival

21–22/08 | Ptuj

40th Popular Folk Music Festival

22/08 | Maribor

21st International Vintage Car Rally

Štajerska 2009


11th International Children's Mini Summer

Festival

29/08 | Celje, Stari grad

Mediaeval event at the Old Castle in Celje

29/08–12/09 | Piran

8th Tartini Festival

SEPTEMBER

September | Jama Vilenica

24th International Literary Festival Vilenica

2009

September | Ljubljana

Ex Ponto – 16th International Festival of

Contemporary Th eatre Production

September–December | Ljubljana

Mini Th eatre Festival – music, theatre &

visual arts

03–13/09 | Maribor

Festival Maribor – international festival of

classical music

04–05/09 | Moravske Toplice

56th World Ploughing Contest

04–06/09 | Begunje in Gorenjska

Avsenik Festival 2009

04/09–25/10 | Ljubljana

28th Graphics Biennial

05/09 | Ptuj

7th Ptuj Castle Games – heritage and folklore

event

06/09 | Ribnica

34th Ribnica Fair & 10th Crafts Festival

09–16/09 | Celje

42nd International Trade Fair

11–13/09 | Kamnik

39th National Costume Festival


Meeting at Tromeja

13/09 oder 20/09 | Bohinj

Kravji bal in Ukanc/ Cow Ball traditional

alpine cattle herders' event

18–27/09 | Maribor

9th Festival of the Old Vine

20/09 | Maribor

24th Rafters' Initiation

20/09 | Piran

DEKD – European days of cultural heritage

and antiques fair

OCTOBER

16 -28/10 | Maribor

44th Borštnik Festival - Slovenian and

European theatre group competition


City of Women – 15th International Festival

of Contemporary Arts

25/10 | Ljubljana

Ljubljana Marathon

NOVEMBER

11/11 | Places in Slovenian wine regions

Martinovanje / St Martin’s Festival

wine harvest festival


LIFFe – 20th International fi lm festival of

Ljubljana

DECEMBER


Christmas and New Year’s events

04–11/12 | Nova Gorica

PIXXELPOINT 2009 – International Digital

Art Festival


Exhibitions of nativity scenes, nativity

scenes in churches, in ice and live nativity

tableaux

19/12–3/01 | Postojna

Living Creche in Postojna Cave

24/12 | Kamnik

Midnight Mass at Velika Planina – Chapel of

St Mary of the Snows

25/12 | Bled

Legend of the Sunken Bell

31/12 | Across Slovenia

New Year celebrations and fi reworks

2010 Calendar of Major Events in Slovenia

JANUARY

2531/1 | Bled

World Winter Masters Games

APRIL

23/4/201023/4/2011 | Ljubljana

Ljubljana – UNESCO World Book Capital

2010

This summer festival of classical music is devoted to the composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini and his contemporaries. The outstanding musical events take place in Tartini's birthplace, the beautiful and picturesque medieval town of Piran and other stunning locations of Slovenian Istria on the northern Adriatic coast. The program includes ten concerts of classical music performed by top international artists.

The 8th Tartini festival season will present among others,

28th of August

G. Verdi: REQUIEMI Romantici (Netherlands)

Haydn Trio Eisenstadt (Austria) – 2nd of SeptemberFernanda Krug (violin, Brazil)Croatian Baroque Ensemble (Croatia)Pierre Hommage (violin, France)Carlo Torlontano (alphorn, Italy) – 10th of SeptemberSergio Azzolini (bassoon, Italy) and »Il terzo suono« Festival Ensemble – 12th of September

The Tartini festival is certainly one of Slovenia's foremost summer cultural events. Welcome!

More information www.tartinifestival.org

The Tartini festival is organized by the LIB-ART Art Agency, Levstikova 7, 6330 Piran, Slovenia; phone: +386 1 430 54 26; e-mail: [email protected]. The organizers of the Tartini festival reserve the right to make changes to the program.

28th of August TARTINI GALA CHARITY CONCERT

A-DMC NIKAIA - professional DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY for SLOVENIA,

offers tourist arrangements and CULTURAL & MUSICAL touristic programs.Information: www.nikaia.si, [email protected]

28th of August – 12th of September

28th Biennial of Graphic ArtsLjubljana 4. 9.–25. 10. 2009

International Centre of Graphic Arts

Grad Tivoli, Ljubljana

www.mglc-lj.si

Betsabeé Romero, Cities That Leave, 2004

Fes

tiva

l L

jubl

jan

a 20

09

Th is year‘s Ljubljana Festival will again comprise a number of exciting programmes: the 24th

Slovenian Musical Days, the 57th Ljubljana Summer Festival, the 12th Fine Arts Colony, exhibitions,

Cinema Under the Stars (open-air cinema at Ljubljana Castle), Young Virtuosi, and the December

Festival.

Th e bulk of the festival action will take place between July 6 and August 27, with a number of operas

and symphony concerts, a musical, exhibitions, a fi ne arts colony, and many more. Most of the events

will be held at the Križanke Summer Th eatre, Ljubljana Castle, Cankarjev Dom, and the Slovenian

Philharmonic Hall.

Th e 2009 festival will again host a varied array of inspiring fi rst-class events for every music, dance

and theatre enthusiast .

6. julija / 6 July // Cankarjev dom // Pink Floyd Balet / Pink Floyd Ballet // La Scala, Milano

9. julija / 9 July // Cankarjev dom // Praški simfonični orkester / The Prague Symphony Orchestra // Jiří Kout / Gautier Capuçon, violončelo / cello

14. julija / 14 July // Cankarjev dom // Koncert opernih arij / Concert of Operatic Arias // Ramón Vargas, tenor // Orkester Slovenske fi lharmonije / The Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra // Emmanuel Villaume

15. in 16. julija / 15 and 16 July // Križanke // T. McNally - D. Yazbek: Do nazga, muzikal / The Full Monty, musical // Zagrebško mestno gledališče / Zagreb City Comedy Theatre

20. julija / 20 July // Slovenska fi lharmonija / Slovenian Philharmonic Hall // G. F. Händel: Aleksandrovo slavje, oratorij / Alexander‘s Feast, ode // Orkester in zbor Glasbenega festivala Schleswig Holstein / Schleswig Holstein Music Festival Orchestra & Choir / Rolf Beck

22. in 23. julija / 22 and 23 July // Cankarjev dom // G. Verdi: La Traviata, opera / Opera in balet SNG Maribor // Opera and Ballet SNG Maribor

24. und 25. Juli / 24 and 25 July // Ljubljanski grad // F. J. Haydn: Apotekar, komična opera / The Apothecary, comic opera // Koprodukcija / Coproduction // SNG Opera in balet Ljubljana in Festival Ljubljana / The Slovenian National Theatre Opera and Ballet Ljubljana and the Ljubljana Festival

27. julija / 27 July // Križanke // Ruski kozaki // The Russian Cossacks

19. avgust / 19 August // Križanke // Flamenko - Asimetrija // Flamenko skupina Andrésa Marina / Andrés Marin‘s Flamenco Ballet

20. avgusta / 20 August // Valeri Gergijew // Londonski simfonični orkester / The London Symphony Orchestra

24., 25., 26. in 27. avgusta / 24, 25, 26, and 27 August // P. I. Tschaikowski: Jevgenij Onjegin / Eugene Onegin, opera // Akademski državni Bolšoj teater iz Rusije / The State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia

Festival Ljubljana si pridržuje pravico do sprememb v programu in prizoriščih.The Ljubljana Festival reserves the right to alter the programme and venues.

www.maribor-pohorje.si

Published by: Slovenian Tourist Board • Editor: Goran Vaskrsić • Text: Janez Bogataj, PhDTranslation: PLITTA • Photographs: Istockphoto • Design and layout: Av Studio d.o.o. • Printed by: Schwarz d.o.o.Print run: 3.000 • February 2009

Maribor, 19-27 Sep. 2009

T H E P R E M I E R 9 - D A YT O U R I S T F E S T I V A L O F

F O O D, W I N E A N D C U LT U R E

THE 9TH OLD VINE FESTIVALTHE WORLD’S OLDEST GRAPEVINE

for professionals and amateurs, for fun

and learning, for adults and children, for

the body and soul

A wealth of wines and food, fruit, pumpkins, pumpkin oil,

and honey. Evaluations, presentations and tastings of fi ne

wines from home and abroad. The day for wine queens

of Slovenia. The international holiday of organic farms.

Veggie Maribor – a day for vegetarian cuisine. Wine and

culinary trails from the neighbouring countries. Gastro-

nomy in cauldrons. Holiday on the Drava River and the

25th Rafter's Initiation. The old vine for children… And

the climax: the 23rd ceremonial harvest of the Old Vine.

INFORMATION AND BOOKING

TIC Maribor

Partizanska 6a, 2000 Maribor, Slovenija

T: +386 (0)2 234 66 11, F: +386 (0)2 234 66 13

E: [email protected], I: www.maribor-pohorje.si

THE OLDEST GRAPEVINE IN THE WORLD

More than 400 years old, the Old Vine is recorded in the

Guinness Book of Records. Embodying the rich wine

culture of Maribor, the Štajerska region and the whole

country, it is the mother of grafts presented as gifts to

a number of places around the globe. The wine matu-

res in the underground Maribor, one of the largest and

oldest traditional wine cellars in Europe. The grapevine

grows in Lent, on the front face of the Old Vine House,

a temple of wine tradition and culture, an educational

exhibition and event venue, a tourist information cen-

tre and a popular tasting and sales point for the fi ne

wines of the Štajerska region. It is the starting point for

the wine roads crisscrossing the rolling wine district,

whose distinguishing feature is the abundance of wine

shops and tourist farms off ering exquisite white wines

and regional culinary delights.

Nestling among the Drava River and the Pohorje Hills

on the one side and winegrowing hills on the other, the

Maribor city centre is especially attractive and worth

visiting during the Old Vine Festival, also thanks to the

incredible warmth, hospitability and liveliness of the

local people. The city is a source of inspiration for wine

experts and fans of fi ne wines, good food, fun, strolling,

hiking, cycling, magnifi cent views… and unique attrac-

tions which have not (yet) been fl ooded with tourists.

www.slovenia.info

Flip through and you will fi nd for each day something new!

Slovenian Tourist Board

Dunajska 156 | 1000 Ljubljana

tel.: +386 1 589 18 40

fax: +386 1 589 18 41

e-mail: [email protected]

Documents

Events 2009 in Slovenia