Slovenia is a country rich in cultural traditions and creativity. Each year, it hosts numbers of entertainment and art events that are popular not only among Slovenes but are also a must see for all foreign visitors. Here is a list of ten most amazing events that should undoubtedly be visited when travelling around Slovenia:
LJUBLJANA FESTIVAL. The Ljubljana Festival is for sure the core cultural event of the country which takes place each summer. The festival lasts for almost three months, featuring a variety of classical music concerts, opera and ballet events, theatrical performances and other bright shows involving the world’s and Slovene best artists. Learn more at ljubljanafestival.si.
LENT FESTIVAL. This is a two-week cultural event full of music and art performances. Lent is the pride and joy of Maribor. It takes place on the Lent Embankment along the River Drava. Learn more at festival-lent.si.
BEER AND FLOWERS FESTIVAL. Each year, the Beer and Flowers Festival is held in Laško. Nearly 150,000 guests, who come to the town in search of tasty beer, live music, and beautiful flower exhibitions, annually visit the festival. Learn more at pivo-cvetje.
IDRIJA LACE FESTIVAL. Since 1980, Idrija has been hosting an annual lace festival, which is famous for the presentations of the world’s best creations of lace. The festival involves a lace making competition alongside with numerous workshops and other entertaining and educational events. Learn more at festivalidrijskecipke.si.
LJUBLJANA MARATHON. During the first year of the Ljubljana Marathon, it was attended by just 700 participants. Today, it has grown to 20,000 athletes coming from all over the world. It is undoubtedly one of the largest sports events in Slovenia. Learn more at vw-ljubljanskimaraton.si.
PIPPI LONGSTOCKING FESTIVAL. Pippy is the star of the annual Pikin Festival in Velenje, which is the largest children’s festival in the country, as well as arguably its most energetic. Learn more at pikinfestival.si.
KURENTOVANJE. The Kurentovanje is a unique and virtually the most important carnival in Slovenia. On this day, a crowd of strange characters is patrolling the streets of Ptuj. They are led by the Kurents themselves. This is one of the most entertaining spectacles in Slovenia. Learn more at kurentovanje.net.
COW BALL. The annual Cow Ball has been held in Bohinj for almost 50 years. The fest involves tasty food, live performances and funny weekend entertainments. Learn more at kravjibal.bohinj-info.com.
PLANICA. Planica is located in one of the most amazing parts of the Julian Alps. Each year, a ski flying world cup takes place in this place. The event is also accompanied by traditional music, parties and drinking till the sun comes up. Learn more at planica.si.
PREŠEREN FAIR. France Prešeren is the nation’s favourite poet. No discussion of culture is complete in Slovenia without mentioning this outstanding person. The day on which he passed away (8 February) sees an annual fair in his name, which is for sure the most important cultural day on the Slovenian calendar. Learn more at tourism-kranj.si.
