The 24th Festival of Folklore Groups of the Union of Serb Societies of Slovenia was held in Trbovlje, once again confirming its status as one of the most important gatherings of Serb cultural heritage in Slovenia.
Milan Glamočanin emphasized that this year’s edition surpassed all previous ones.
“This festival will certainly remain in everyone’s memory. The folklore groups were excellently prepared, the audience response was outstanding, and we had a full hall. We completely exceeded last year’s festival,” he said, also announcing a major folklore event in Koper in September.
Participants highlighted visible progress year after year.
Leonora Podrašćanin stated that expectations were high, but the result was even better than anticipated.
Srećko Marković pointed out the emotional impact of such performances.
“We prepare for months, so when a festival like this surpasses all expectations in organization, the emotional reaction is natural,” he said.
Ilija Janković noted that the event was an excellent opportunity for societies to present themselves, adding that special choreographies were prepared for the occasion.
Clergy representative Goran Šljivic emphasized that such festivals are among the best ways to preserve Serb traditions, identity, and faith.
The event was attended by political representatives from Slovenia and Republika Srpska, including Zoran Stevanović and Nataša Avšič Bogovič, who praised the organization and cultural significance of the festival.
“This was truly a remarkable evening. This event is the best example of a well-organized cultural life of Serbs in Slovenia,” said Avšič Bogovič.
Deputy mayor of Trbovlje Vesna Jesih highlighted that such events contribute to cultural diversity not only in the city but across Slovenia.
Vladimir Kokanović stressed that the festival unites folklore groups around a single goal—preserving Serb traditions and passing them on to future generations.
He also noted that his office donated books in Cyrillic to students attending Serb supplementary schools, supporting the preservation of language and cultural identity.
Source: Glas Srpske
