France Prešeren was our poet and his works are very important for the Slovenian culture. He wrote the Slovenian National Anthem – ‘’A Toast’’. He was born on 3th December and he died on 8th February. 8th February is a cultural holiday in Slovenia – the day when we remeber the works of this poet.

On this day Slovenian families decorate Easter eggs. These eggs are called ‘’pirhi’’ and they are an important part of the Slovenian culture. Families have a traditional Easter dinner, they usually eat ‘’potica’’, ham, horse-radish and eggs and tell stories about the Easter bunny. Before dinner they go to Easter mass where the priest blesses their food.

The Kurentovanje is the most important carnival event in Slovenia. This carnival takes place in Ptuj. It starts a week before Shrove Tuesday. People come from different parts of Slovenia and they wear different costumes. The main carnival figure is Kurent (in the picture).

1st May is Labour Day and it is a national holiday in Slovenia. The tradition in Slovenia is to set a May tree and have a bonfire party at night, this is called ‘’kresovanje’’. The tree is decorated and very high. It is usually a spruce tree.

Statehood Day and Independence Day are national holidays when Slovenia celebrates the country’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in We celebrate Statehood Day on 25th June and Independence Day on 26th December.

The St. Nicholas day is a church tradition and a holiday. It is on 6th November. On that day Saint Nicholas comes to your home and brings fruit and nuts to good children and a branch to naughty children.

Christmas is the most popular religious and family holiday in Slovenia. It is celebrated on 25th December. All family gathers at home and decorates the christmas tree, has a big dinner and next morning children open presents from Santa Claus.

1st January is New Year. We have parties, fireworks and drink champagne. At midnight we make a toast and wish everybody a happy new year. We believe that if you get up early on New Year’s Day you will get up early the whole next year.