The magic of Easter for children is, above all, in the dyeing of Easter eggs. However, in addition to dyeing, painting and pasting, it is also an opportunity to play games. Hunting for the Easter Bunny is not a Slovenian custom, so it is a good idea to make children familiar with Slovenian Easter games.
Shorter days, cold mornings, red vine leaves and olive groves bursting with ripe fruits announce that it is time to harvest olives in Slovenian Istria. Olives have been grown in the Slovenian territory since the Roman period and represent an important part of the agricultural tradition. Although the quantities of olive oil produced in Slovenia cannot compete with those of large Mediterranean producers, such as Italy, Greece or Spain, our olive oils are distinguished by their exceptional quality and distinct flavour.
Jurjevanje in Bela Krajina, the oldest folklore festival in Slovenia, is deeply rooted in the rich folk traditions of Bela Krajina and other parts of the country. Step into a land known for its white birch trees, the green Kolpa River, and a vibrant cultural heritage.The 61st Jurjevanje in Bela Krajina will be held from June 18 to June 22 in Črnomelj.
In Slovenia, as in many countries around the world, 1st May marks the International Labour Day. This holiday is associated with the old tradition of lighting bonfires in Slovenia.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. According to Slovenian tradition, people bring butarice or olive branches to church on Palm Sunday.
Easter is the greatest Christian holiday. It is the day Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Children look forward to it because it is the time for pirhi – the painting of hard-boiled or blown eggs. Easter is also marked by the family table being laden with festive dishes. In connection with the Easter period, Slovenia also has its very own Easter customs.
March is marked by the anticipation of spring. One of the holidays announcing its return is St Gregory's Day, the Slovenian version of Valentine's Day when birds get married. This is also a special holiday for children, who launch gregorčki models – little model houses and other objects with lit candles inside – on Slovenian streams and rivers that day. The light is launched on the water on St Gregory's Day.
The Three Kings, sometimes called the Three Wise Men, were strangers who, according to Christian tradition, came to pay homage to Jesus. Their Slovenian names are Boltežar, Miha and Gašper. The visit of the Three Kings is preserved in most European countries, including Slovenia.
Maksim Gaspari, the legendary Slovenian painter, was a true master at capturing the essence of the Slovenian spirit. His paintings are vibrant, lively, and filled with a deep love for the Slovenian countryside.
The first Slovenian Food Week will be rounded off today with the traditional Slovenian breakfast. For the 14th year in a row, many schools, kindergartens and other educational institutions will start with the traditional Slovenian breakfast on the third Friday in November, promoting local food and raising awareness of the importance of home self-sufficiency.
December is a time of gift-giving, coming together, enjoying good company and reviving old traditions. If you are spending the Christmas and New Year holidays in Slovenia, in addition to taking a stroll down the beautifully decorated streets of Slovenian cities and among the inviting holiday market stalls, be sure to also enjoy some of the traditional events.
The traditional Slovenian breakfast is the central event of Slovenian Food Day, which is celebrated every third Friday in November. This year, on 17 November, it takes place under the slogan »Bread for breakfast – a great day!«
