Holidays

Holidays in Slovenia

The still young nation of Slovenia has a Mediterranean influence, but is also influenced by the Austro-Hungarian Empire through its neighbours Austria and Hungary. In addition to the classic holidays, the holiday calendar also lists some dates that commemorate the birth of the state of Slovenia.

Overview

New Year – 01 January

Prešeren Day, Slovenian cultural holiday – 08 February

Easter Monday – Flexible

World War II Resistance Day – April 27

Labor Day – May 01 and 02

Pentecost – Flexible

Statehood Day – June 25

Ascension Day – August 15

Reformation Day – October 31

Day of Remembrance of the Deceased – November 01

Christmas – December 25

Independence and Unity Day – December 26

Worth knowing about selected holidays

Prešeren Day, Slovenian cultural holiday

France Prešeren, born on 03 December 1800 in Vrba and died on 08 February 1848 in Kranj, is considered the Slovenian national writer. Part of his poem “Zdravljica” was taken for the Slovenian national anthem. Even though the poet is rather unknown in this country, everyone has the opportunity to see a portrait of him. His likeness adorns the Slovenian 2 euro coins. On Prešeren Day, the Prešeren Prize is also awarded to two high-ranking Slovenian artists.

Statehood Day

Until 1991, Slovenia was part of the socialist federal republic of Yugoslavia. But Slovenians were so dissatisfied with Belgrade’s leadership that they declared independence on June 25, 1991. This date is considered the birth of the modern Slovenian state. Yugoslavia would not stand for it. Troops marched into Slovenia, but were successfully pushed back in the so-called 10-day war. Slovenia has also been part of the European Union since May 1, 2004.

Day of Independence and Unity

On Dec. 23, 1990, Slovenes determined by ballot that they wanted to leave the federation of republics of Yugoslavia. The result was announced on 26.12.1990. After independence was finally achieved, this day was declared a holiday.

Christmas

The Christmas season starts early in Slovenia. As early as November 13, families gather for a feast to get ready for the pre-Christmas Lenten season. On Christmas Eve, the traditional midnight mass takes place. Presents and a big feast then take place on Christmas Day.

Tourists should avoid ringing a Slovenian family’s doorbell at Christmas. Guests at Christmas time are considered a bad omen for the next year.

A typical pastry is Christmas bread, made from rye, wheat and buckwheat. This bread is believed to have magical powers.