Slovenia is one of those rare countries, if not the only country in the world, where the culture day is a national holiday. We meet culture in every step, whether it be history we can learn about at museums, castles, churches, in nature and libraries, or architecture. Medieval castles with their mysticism, monasteries and churches on hilltops, which are considered a Slovene peculiarity, urban architecture, and vernacular buildings in Slovene villages and countryside with different specific features in different regions.
Slovenia has a very well-developed network of cultural institutions, organisations and associations, which host numerous events also known across the borders. The range of cultural events, festivals, concerts, exhibitions, events for children, and sporting events is enough to satisfy the most demanding guests.
The events with the highest international profile are primarily hosted by Ljubljana and Maribor. Ljubljana is the 2011 World Book Capital, while Maribor will be the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Ljubljana is home to Slovenia’s cultural epicentre, Cankarjev dom, which offers a diverse range of events throughout the year. Some of the main cultural events in the capital are music festivals, such as the Summer Festival, Jazz Festival and Druga Godba, while Maribor boasts the outstanding Lent Festival.
It is the traditional events that allow you to genuinely get to know Slovenia, such as the Carnival, Cherry Holiday, St. Martin’s Day, Handicraft Fair, Idrija Lace Festival, Shoemakers’ Sunday, Grape Harvest, etc. Did you know that Slovenia also boasts the oldest vine in the world?