Slovenia is regarded to be one of the richest lands for masked costumes. Each region of Slovenia has its own costume. The most recognisable of these include the Ptuj kurenti, the Cerkno laufarji and the Drežnica pustovi, while the Kurentovanje in Ptuj is the largest organised carnival and cultural-ethnographic event in Slovenia and Central Europe. The event is attended by more than 100,000 people annually.

This year’s 52nd Kurentovanje will begin on 2 February, with its main events lining up between 11 and 21 February. The traditional Kurentovanje in Ptuj is an event that begins on Saturday, a good week before Pancake Tuesday, with a gathering of typical Slovenian carnival characters and masks. Events take place throughout the week; in afternoons, town streets and squares are brought to life with performances by artists, street theatres, musicians and others. In the evening, the party continues in carnival costumes along with an abundance of good food and drinks at the Carnival Hall, where popular domestic and foreign musicians and bands can be seen performing. The festivities culminate on Sunday with a traditional international carnival parade and end on Tuesday with the burial of the “Shrovetide”.

The Kurent festival, or Kurentovanje, seeks to link old customs and habits to the modern approach to life, and to create a modern cultural, artistic and entertaining experience for all generations. Over half a century, Kurentovanje has grown beyond its local confines, and has become a Carnival of European dimensions, breathing and living with the townsfolk of Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia, and with visitors from the region and beyond. Ptuj was admitted into the European Federation of Carnival Cities (EFCC-FECC) in 1991.

The Kurent or Korant, as it is known today, gets its origin in popular tradition. Traditionally, the Kurent`s outfit used to be reserved only for unmarried men, but nowadays Kurent/Korant can be married men as well as women and children. There are two types of Kurent/Korant: the ‘feathery’ and the ‘horned’. The Kurent/Korant wears a sheepskin coat, a chain belt with huge bells, heavy boots and gaiters to protect the feet, while the head is covered by a cap. A wooden club is normally carried in the left hand.

www.slovenia.info

The Opera and Ballet Ljubljana returned a couple of weeks ago, with the sounds of a fanfare, to the main house after the concluded construction work that gave the building a new image – the restoration project of the opera house was undertaken especially due to acoustic and spatial problems. Art ensembles, who worked in this period in difficult conditions, scattered around eight locations in the capital, obtained modern rehearsal rooms and the most technically advanced stage; moreover, at the entry, visitors will notice the beautifully restored hall and modern reception hall with several access points. However, the initial charm of the Ljubljana opera house was preserved – namely, despite the hesitation with joining the modern with the new Renaissance style, the new opera house respects the tradition and offers something new.

The main Slovenian music theatre, SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana, has been operating since 1892 in the building that was, as a provincial theatre in the new Renaissance style, constructed according to the plans of Czech architects Jan V. Hrasky and Anton Hruby, but has been closed to the public during the last six years. The theatre building, constructed in 1892, has a varied history. At the turn of the 20th century, it housed first the German Theatre (Nemško gledališče) and then the Provincial Theatre (Deželno gledališče). 1918 saw the establishment of the theatre`s opera and ballet ensembles and orchestra, which, after the Second World War, began to tour outside the country, receiving international acclaim.

During the opening, the national opera and ballet house also presented a new corporate image, opened a new web portal for visitors and issued a monograph about the SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana entitled Coalescence of Centuries. This was also the title of the opening ceremony that was broadcast by the Slovenian National Television station; moreover, it is also the slogan of all events and activities within the framework of the opening, move and 120th anniversary of activities, that will leave a mark in the coming year under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Danilo Türk.

Source: www.slovenia.info

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The 48th Golden Fox, the Alpine Ski World Cup, female slalom and giant slalom (Pohorje in Maribor, 21 and 22 January 2012)

On 21 and 22 January 2012, the Pohorje venue in Maribor will again host the already legendary international Ski World Cup for women – Zlata lisica, which has been organised annually on Pohorje since 1964. The excitement during the competition of the best slalom and giant slalom contestants captures each of the 20,000 visitors who come to the Snow stadium under Pohorje; moreover, the vicinity of Maribor only additionally contributes to the attractiveness of the competition for locals and other visitors.

The Telemark World Cup (21 – 23 January 2012, Bohinj)

The Telemark World Cup will again take place in Bohinj! On 22 and 23 January, the best will again meet in Bohinj (Srednja vas, Senožeta ski slope), where two races for the Sprint World Cup will take place. The telemark skiers abide by the slogan `calm your thoughts – kick back your heels`. The curves are done in the typical `telemark` position; in this way, nature can be felt in a unique way. This skiing technique, which was developed in Norway, has become popular in Slovenia over the last decade, primarily due to the girls and boys united in the first Slovenian Telemark Club.

Slovenia open – international table-tennis championship of Slovenia (25 – 29 January 2012, Velenje)

Velenje will host the 13th International table-tennis championship Slovenia open, one of the seventeen elite tournaments of the Pro Tour series. Table-tennis experts say that top-level table-tennis in Velenje has already strongly spoiled them. Namely, the organisation of the tournament has been on an extremely high level, but it still also progresses every year. This year, new features look promising.

5th International Balloon Festival in Bled (3 – 5 February, Bled)

The Balloon Club, Slovenian Skywalkersm, Bled municipality and Bled Tourism will organise the 5th International Balloon Festival in Bled. Ballooners will fly over the heart of the Julian Alps with starts in beatiful valleys of the Alps. 14 teams from five countries will participate in the festival.

51st Vitranc Championship – the Alpine Ski World Cup, male slalom and giant slalom (9 – 11 March 2012, Kranjska Gora)

Kranjska Gora obtained its great reputation as a ski centre through World Cup alpine skiing races. Every winter at the steep slopes of the competition polygon below Vitranc, the two most important races in World Cup alpine skiing take place − men`s slalom and giant slalom.

Planica World Cup Ski Jumping Final (15 – 18 March 2012, Planica)

Planica is most famous for having the biggest ski flying jump in the world, at which almost every year, some new record is broken. It was at Planica that someone on skis first jumped more than 100 m, way back in 1934, and later, in 1994, it was the venue for the first flight over 200 m. Each year, the Planica organisers prepare the jump for new and surprising results.

Let`s not forget the main business event in January. From 18 to 19 January, the 4th Conventa will take place – congress crossroads in Southeast Europe.

This grand and environmentally-friendly project is also supported by the Slovenian Tourist Board, which invites you to accompany Slovenian pilot Matevž Lenarčič on his journey around the world. The pilot will regularly post his impressions about the journey at www.worldgreenflight.com .

NEW STORY: On the way around the world

In the early days of 2012, Matevž Lenarcic, a biologist, environmentalist, and photographer-pilot will again set course in his small aircraft for a lonely flight around the world, this time in a westerly direction. The tiny ultra light Virus-SW914, made by the worldwide renowned company, Pipistrel, weighs only 290 kg (640 lbs.) and is the fastest aircraft in the world in its category, using less fuel per distance flown. Its abilities have been proven in two NASA-sponsored competitions in the USA, where for 2 consecutive years the aircraft received prestigious awards for its exceptional flight characteristics. The aircraft is produced under the Pipistrel brand Ecolution http://www.pipistrel.si/top-quality/ecolution-our-philosophy, meaning 100 percent autonomous energy production with optimized, computer-controlled acquisition of green energy (solar, air, and geothermal).

NEW MISSION: Look at the images – feel the planet

Flying around the world in a small airplane has a profound meaning. Low and slow over the surface, with a notion of the planet revolving beneath the wings, but fast enough to discover its secrets. These secrets will be stored in digital memory cards and then communicated to the people of our planet, so they will also get a feel for their world. Only people with a sense of the world are able to protect it. More than 70 percent of Earth’s surface is covered with water. Due to different physical states, different quality and distribution, almost a third of the human population has limited or even blocked access to safe drinking sources. We can all change that. Images will show places with plenty of clean drinking water and places without a single drop. We are going to show very different faces of water and warn the world that lack of water brings even more tension to the society than oil trade.

NEW CHALLENGE: In the eco-friendly light aircraft

GreenLight WorldFlight faces Pipistrel and the pilot with a number of challenges. The aircraft must safely operate when flying at very high or low polar temperatures and extreme altitudes. In addition, the fuel consumption must remain at very low levels, as some stages are over 4000 km long, and the amount of fuel on board of such a small aircraft is very limited. Only by an ideal combination of weight, drag, and lift, the required results can be achieved. The aim is to fly over 80,000 km (twice the length of Earth’s circumference) around the world in with a minimal use of 95 octane unleaded fuel. Besides high speeds close to 300 km/h (160 kts), the aircraft must remain stable at very low speeds below 80 km/h (43 kts). So far, this is the only aircraft with such capabilities, so Pipistrel sets new standards in environmentally-friendly and utility flying.

NEW RESEARCH

We will demonstrate that a lightweight aircraft can provide valuable information on the black carbon – BC – and light absorbing carbonaceous aerosols – LACA – concentrations, their regional heterogeneity, and vertical profiles, with a minor payload and for a fraction of the cost associated with large airborne platforms. We will modify the aircraft to include an aerosol inlet and use an Aethalometer to measure aerosol optical properties at different wavelengths. The wavelength dependence of absorption will enable us to attempt to apportion the BC concentrations to two major sources: biomass and fossil fuel combustion. Measurements will be performed throughout the flight and will include regions, where no or very little measurements have taken place, such as Antarctica, Africa, and over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

ATTEMPTS TO:

- Fly the lightest 3-axis aircraft (290 kg/640 lb.) around the World

- Burn the smallest amount of fuel per distance flown

- Fly world speed records

- Make the nicest book about World Waters

ROUTE: Over more than 50 countries

Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, Brazil, French Guiana, Surinam, Guiana, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Mexico, Guatemala, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Antarctic, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Seychelles, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, Libya, Tunisia

PILOT

Matevž Lenarcic (1959, Slovenia) has graduated in biology. An alpinist, paraglider, environmentalist, photographer, and a pilot, he has climbed all over the world and, among others, reached the top of 8,051m Broad Peak in the Himalayas and climbed extreme routes in Patagonia. He is the author of 11 books (nature, photography, climbing and flying), some of them awarded and translated in several languages. He is also founder and director of Aerovizija d.o.o., company for aerial photography. www.aerovizija.com Matevž Lenarcic is experienced long distance flier. Besides “normal” flying in Europe, mostly for aerial business purposes (vertical and oblique photography), he has also some extreme flights under his belt:

- Worldtrannsiberia 2002: 28,000 km over 8 countries including Russia

- Around The Only World 2004: 38,000 km crossing 23 countries

- Africa – Valley of Life 2005: 17,000 km over 13 countries

- The Alps – A Bird’s Eye View 2006 – 2009: 60,000 km all over the Alps

He has flown for more than 3,000 hours all over the world, mostly with his ultra-light motor glider and other single engine aircrafts. He holds a PPL – private pilot license – with IFR – instrumental flight rules – rating, night qualification, and an ULPL – ultralight pilot license.

He holds the following records: Official national speed record Around the World Eastbound – C1a, An official world speed record Around the World Eastbound – C1a, 2nd place national competition RAL2 2005, and has won aviation awards and prizes from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) in; Bronze colibry, Silver colibry, Diamond colibry, and Circumnavigator East Diamond.

Source: slovenia.info

Old Vine Festival, the oldest vine in the world (16th to 25th September, Maribor)

For the eleventh year in a row, the Old Vine Festival is being prepared in the honour of the Old Vine, the oldest in the world, and is the main festival in the cycle of events celebrating the Vine, from pruning to the celebration of St. Martin’s Day. The Old Vine is Maribor’s greatest ethnographic site, which symbolises the rich wine culture of Maribor and the Štajerska region, and is at the same time a starting and finishing point of wine roads, which intertwine the hilly wine-growing district of the town. The Old Vine, the oldest vine in the world, is the oldest living specimen on our planet of a noble grape vine that still bears grapes. With an age of over 400 years, it is registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest vine in the world. It symbolises the rich wine culture of Maribor, the Štajerska region, and Slovenia.

14th Slovenian Wine Festival and 4th Culinary Festival (Ljubljana, 17th – 18th November 2011)

The Slovenian Wine Festival and the Culinary Festival, as the leading Slovenian events in this field, for many years now bring together the best providers and consumers of excellent wines and culinary delights. In the framework of the festival, a variety of guided tastings, presentations, and workshops are prepared on which selected chefs present their culinary delights, together with the selected Slovenian and foreign producers of cheeses, hams and other meat products, oils, bread, vinegar, honey, truffles, chocolates, etc. As the Culinary Festival takes place simultaneously with the Wine Festival, those delights that are well complemented with excellent wines are presented.

Dolce Istria (Slovenian Istria, Koper, 24th – 25th September 2011)

Sweet Istria (Dolce Istria) is the largest event celebrating sweets in Slovenia representing a way to preserve and continue the sweet masterpieces of our ancestors while, at the same time, introducing new trends and modern and creative creations in Slovenian confectionary. You can experience the delectable sweets at stalls along “sweet paths” on the streets of Koper, in the city centre where you can also sample and buy numerous sweets, sweet drinks and other sweet products from Slovenian Istria, other Slovenian regions and abroad. The event gave birth to a special website that presents typical Istrian sweets along with their recipes and provides a valuable overview of various chosen and indigenous Slovenian sweets according to the gastronomic regions of Slovenia. Take a sweet culinary trip along the Slovenian Istria or across the whole of Slovenia.

http://www.slovenia.info/?news_items=782&lng=2

This is a young event as it celebrates only its second anniversary in September; but as mentioned by Professor Doctor Janez Bogataj, renowned Slovenian ethnologist and author of several books on gastronomy and the cultural heritage of Slovenia, the event fills a significant gap in the recognition of sweets in Slovenia.

You can experience the delectable sweets at stalls along “sweet paths” on the streets of Koper in the city centre where you can also sample and buy numerous sweets, sweet drinks and other sweet products from Slovenian Istria, other Slovenian regions and abroad. Each stall offers a number of sweet products that visitors can sample, in exchange for purchased sampling coupons, or buy sweets to take home with them. Along with being able to buy sweets, “sweet culinary workshops” for children and adults, expert guided stalls tours and lectures will be offered. From a professional sweet maker’s point of view, the highlight of the event will be the competition for the most original Istrian sweet, the best sweet Muscat wine and the best cake of Sweet Istria.

The event gave birth to a special website that presents typical Istrian sweets along with their recipes and provides a valuable overview of various chosen and indigenous Slovenian sweets according to the gastronomic regions of Slovenia. Take a sweet culinary trip along the Slovenian Istria or across the whole of Slovenia.

http://www.sladka-istra.si/en/sweets/slovenian-sweets.html

International puppet festival 2011 (6th August – 1st September 2011)

Puppets are at home all over the world and the whole world is at home with puppets. Once a year this statement becomes true in Maribor, where puppeteers from numerous countries from around the world gather for the Summer Puppet Pier.?How does Little Red Riding Hood speak Czech, how does the Austrian clown sing, is the bear from Switzerland any different from our bears, how lively is the bird from Germany…? Let them speak or sing in any language – puppets always come to life in a magical way.

Happy days at venues around the Minorite monastery will be celebrated on Saturdays in the month of August, and will be more concentrated during the last weekend before the start of the new school year. In 2012, when Maribor becomes the European Capital of Culture, it will be equally rich with celebrations. Along with The Kurent as the central artistic project, throughout 2012, the Maribor Puppet Theatre will showcase performances each month inviting prestigious puppet shows from abroad, puppets will address passersby in the streets and there will be production workshops that will produce puppet performances based on motifs of well-known European fairytales.

There will be dozens of reasons why one should spend time with the Maribor Puppet Theatre on the banks of the river Drava, experiencing first-class puppet stories for big and small. Click here for more information about the Festival.

10th Tartini Festival 2011 – an international classical music festival (Piran, Koper and Izola, 26th August – 11th September 2011)

The Tartini Festival is an international music festival dedicated to the Piran-born maestro Giuseppe Tartini (1692 – 1770). The opening will take place during the end of August, with Mozart`s celebrated Requiem Mass as interpreted by the excellent “Ensemble 1765” orchestra. The very next day visitors will be able to enjoy a concert by the exceptional Viennese musicians of the Wiener Instrumentalsolisten. The well appreciated festival ensemble, Il Terzo Suono, which never fails to dazzle audiences, will perform this year with the participation of virtuoso soloist Sergio Azzolini. The festival will also host the Nota Bene duo from the famous Salzburg Mozarteum, which is noted for its exceptional performances of 20th century composers. Lovers of baroque music will no doubt greatly appreciate a baroque trio concert with virtuoso sonatas from the Italian Baroque period. Also, two young guitar players will prepare a Tartini Junior guitar concert, while the last performance of the festival will offer a chance to enjoy the melodies of piano and violin, performed by Francesco de Zan and Christophe Coin. The Tartini Festival will be taking place on the Slovenian coast, in the cities of Piran, Izola and Koper. Click here for more information about the Festival.

Let us remind you about some of the festivals that will continue to be in full swing throughout August:

- The Seviqc Brežice 2011 Festival will offer beautiful concerts of early music featuring the best artists from across the world until 4 September. The concerts are presented in Slovenia`s most beautiful cultural monuments at historically important sites.

- 4 September is also the closing date for the Ljubljana Festival, with its long history and tradition of presenting premier artistic events, significantly contributing to the cultural life of Ljubljana.

- The 23rd International Music Festival Summer Imago Sloveniae will take place until 2 September and will be organised across different Slovenian towns, offering classical music concerts.

- The Okarina Etno Festival in Bled, which is a wonderful treat for those visitors who can appreciate unique music, will take place until 31 August.

- Trnfest 2011, with numerous diverse evenings of free-of-charge events (concerts, theatre and dance shows, workshops, children’s programmes, DJ performances, exhibitions, films, and puppet shows by international ensembles) will be in full swing in Ljubljana until 28 August.

Do not miss THE sports event of the summer! The best rowers in the world will compete in one of the world’s most beautiful rowing courses between 28 August and 4 September 2011, at Bled − Bled is ready for the World Rowing Championships 2011.

One of the most beautiful children’s festivals in Europe, where Astrid Lindgren the author of the story whose main character gave the festival its name and is its ambassador, has characterised this festival as one of the most beautiful embodiments of her work, is the subject of the next article.

www.slovenia.info

www.slovenia.info

(Pictured) In Ljubljana alone more than thirty festivals are taking place every year, however, numerous other places are certainly not falling behind in the organization of traditional and in the creation of new events. A walk through the repertoire of current summer Slovenian festival events will satisfy even the most diverse tastes – this time the selection is really diverse.

Festival Seviqc Brežice 2011 (Brežice, 22nd June – 4th september 2011)

The most beautiful concerts of old music with top artists from all over the world, which are held in the most beautiful cultural monuments of Slovenia, on hystorically important locations, are particularly interesting for visitors. Today, the Seviqc Brežice festival is a synonym for old music in Slovenia. Watching and listening to various programme sets you will get to know European and world heritage, with a special emphasis on music, which was born in Slovenia. Music is performed with authentic instruments and in an authentic mode of performance. Focus is on live art, as the name Seviqc implies: “SEmper VIva Quam Creata” or “Always live as created”.

Summer Imago Sloveniae, 23. Intenational Music Festival (Beltinci, Bled, Brežice, Dobrna, Komen, Kranjska gora, Laporje, Ljubljana, Metlika, Murska Sobota, Nova Gorica, Ormož, Postojna, Ptuj, Ribnica, Slovenj Gradec, Šentrupert, Vipava, Velenje – 16th June – 2nd September 2011)

As of June, the 23rd international music festival Poletje Imago Sloveniae is taking place in 19 Slovenian towns. The joy of summer music in charming environments of Slovenian architectural cultural heritage sites will be created for you by September by 266 musicians from 12 countries. 41 concerts prepared for visitors to Slovenia will present mostly classical music, but there are also some jazz and ethno music concerts.

Festival Ljubljana (Ljubljana, 3rd July– 4th September 2011)

The Ljubljana Festival, with its long history and tradition of presenting premier artistic events, contributes significantly to the cultural life of Ljubljana. Each summer, its wide and varied programme of concert, opera and ballet events features a fine selection of renowned artists, including some of the world`s most prestigious names in music and performing arts.

Schengenfest (Vinica, River Kolpa, 4th – 8th August 2011)

For the fourth year in a row, “the sexiest rock festival”, as claimed by the organizers – Schengenfest 2011, will take place in the hottest month, in the natural environment of Vinica along the Kolpa river, on the border with Croatia. This festival of sound, sun, and fun will welcome established groups and names in music, such as Niet, Pankrti, Prljavo kazalište, Vlado Kreslin in Mali bogovi, Kad smo bili Bijelo dugme, Dubioza kolektiv, S.A.R.S., Kultur Shock, and Edo Maajka. It is a very popular and well accepted camping experience near Kolpa, accompanied by rich music programme and other fun activities.

Metalcamp (Tolmin, 11th – 17th July 2011)

Between 11 and 17 July, for the 8th year in a row, you can visit one of the internationally most recognizable festivals in Slovenia. METALCAMP 2011, which today holds a unique status among established festivals of the kind in the world. At the confluence of Soča and Tolnimka in Tolmin, fans of metal music will enjoy rhythms of various top international metal bands, such as Slayer, Arch Enemy, Virgin Steele, Airbourne, Blind Guardian, Kreator, Accept, Wintersun, Mastodon, and many others. With its completely original energy and charisma, the festival offers real “all inclusive” metal vacations: cocktail on the beach, swimming in the turquoise Soča, free camping amidst mountains, performances of selected international music groups, and infinite possibilities for exploring one of the most spectacular festival locations on the planet.

Okarina Etno Festival (Bled, 1st – 31st August 2011)

Ocarina is an original folk instrument – a small flute or a whistle in the form of an egg-shaped cup with a mouthpiece for blowing, and eight or ten holes, which creates soft sounds. The beginnings of the Okarina ethno festival date back to 1991, when three groups from Slovenia and the Czech republic performed in Bled. Two years later the festival was held in some other Slovenian towns, but it soon returned to Bled. The festival offer is becoming more diverse with each year. This precious parade of the past is a wonderful treat for those visitors, who can appreciate music specialties.

Blejski dnevi (Bled, 22nd – 24th July 2011)

Blejski dnevi or the Bled Days are the days, when Bled starts shaking under the weight of numerous visitors. In a few days, visitors can witness the making of arts and crafts, and listen to promenade concerts. But, the majority gathers at the traditional Bled night, when the lake and the castle “flare up”. Crews in boats place around 15,000 lights in egg shells on the surface of the lake, and lighten up the lake and its surroundings, after which the five-minute fireworks from the castle dresses Bled in countless colours.

Trnfest 2011 (Ljubljana, 26th July – 28th August 2011)

This year the main August festival in Ljubljani will begin already in July, i.e. from 26 July to 28 August. The 20th traditional Trnfest11 festival, with 34 evenings of free-of-charge diverse events (concerts, theatre and dance shows, work shops, children’s programme, DJ performances, exhibitions, film projections, and puppet shows of international ensembles) will diversify happenings in the capital city. The event is traditionally free of charge, thanks to the cultural organization KUD France Prešeren, so a colourful crowd of Slovenian and foreign visitors rush to be there.

Punk Rock Holiday (Tolmin, 12th – 15th August 2011)

PUNK ROCK HOLIDAY with a new name and a fresh beginning is a festival, which puts the Slovenian alternative musical scene on the festival map of Europe. The festival is held in a reliable festival environment at the confluence of Tolminka and Soča in Tolmin, which is certainly of the most beautiful festival locations in Europe, and already the home of Metalcamp, Kreativni tabor Sajeta, and once Soča Reggae Riversplash. The festival location offers more than just typical festival pleasures, it guarantees an unforgettable smell of vacations – a true punk rock holiday.

Njoki ♥ Šklabfest 2011 (Ajdovščina, 12th – 14th August 2011)

Lovers of summer festivals and alternative music, beware! In the last four years, the Njoki Summer Festival gained the reputation of a festival, which not only provides for musical pleasures of its visitors, but also cares for sports enthusiasts, food lovers, and young people who know how to have fun. But this year brought some changes. Šklabfest, which has been organized in Trbovlje for two years, is moving to Ajdovščina, and is merging with the Njoki Summer festival into one festival called Njoki ♥ Šklabfest 2011.

http://www.slovenia.info/?news_items=669&lng=2

Rivers, lakes, waterfalls, the sea, springs of thermal and mineral water … when it comes to water, Slovenia is the treasure trove of Europe; by total quantity of water per inhabitant it exceeds the European average by nearly four times, and its water is considered to be very pure. You can sense the true taste of water by scooping it from an Alpine lake, and you’re welcome to drink tap water all over Slovenia with no worries. So, there’s no wonder that the offer of water activities in Slovenia is so developed and diverse.

But don’t forget! Next to water activities – up next we have prepared a short overview of ideas for you – you can feel the true energy of water when you dip your bare feet in a river after a tiring hike, when you experience the power of water mist from a waterfall, and when you see your own reflection in a lake wrapped in peace and quiet…

Our suggestions for water activities for this summer:

RAFTING: Slovenian rivers offer exciting, but safe rafting. Operators provide all the equipment you need. The most suitable river for rafting is Soča, a clear, emerald-green river flowing through a beautiful valley. You can also experience adrenaline-boosting raft rides in the company of a guide on the upper part of Sava, on Savinja in Štajerska, on Kolpa in Bela Krajina, and on Krka in Dolenjska.

HYDROSPEEDING: The rivers Soča and Sava are ideal for the adrenaline-boosting sport of riverboarding, also known as hydrospeed. Hydrospeed enables direct contact with water, because the only thing between you and the river is a small `river bob`. Tourism agencies and centres offering hydrospeed provide all the necessary equipment and a guide to ensure even greater safety.

CANYONING: Canyoning is an extreme water sport, but you can experience it safely in Slovenia. With suitable equipment and a guide you can enjoy leaping into pools, sliding over small waterfalls and swimming down crystal-clear streams. The most suitable canyons are Sušec, Fratarca and Mlinarica near the Soča Valley, and Mostnica, Grmečica and Jerečica near the Lake Bohinj. A guide is compulsory in Slovenia.

CANOEING: Canoes are ideal for paddling down Slovenia`s quieter rivers and for canoeing expeditions on lakes or on the sea, since they offer an easy, rapid, and agile way to travel. Canoeing along the river Ljubljanica through the Ljubljansko Barje wetland and Ljubljana itself is very popular. Other popular canoeing rivers include Krka from Žužemberk and Mura. Canoes are also available for hire on the Lake Bohinj, the Lake Velenje, and the Lake Zbilje. An increasing number of agencies and private providers have recently begun offering inflatable mini-rafts for hire.

KAYAKING: In Slovenia you can hire a kayak to race down wild rivers or paddle on quieter rivers, lakes and the sea. On the rapids of Soča, Sava, Savinja, Krka, and Kolpa kayaking can be an exciting adventure. Centres, where kayaks and other equipment are available for hire, will also provide an experienced guide to guarantee your safety. A guide is recommended even on Slovenia`s quieter rivers. Interesting kayak trips are possible on practically all rivers – as long as there are no major dams or hydroelectric plants along your route. Kayaking centres will also organise transport of kayaks.

OLD-STYLE RAFTING: You can learn about the centuries-old history of Slovenian rafting, which was once an important means of freight transportation, while old-style rafting on Drava, Sava and Krka rivers.

SWIMMING: One of the most popular and accessible sports is swimming, with swimming pools available in many thermal resorts and hotels.

SEA WATER ACTIVITIES: The Slovenian coast is an excellent region for various water sports. You can swim in the sea, in swimming pools in numerous water parks and spas, or rent boats or paddle boats. You can learn or practice waterskiing in Portorož. The bays of Piran and Koper are excellent for lovers of sailing, whereas the sea areas between Piran and Strunjan are perfect for diving. You can also dive in Slovenian rivers and lakes. Divers are drawn by the mysteries of Karst springs, such as the Savage Lake near Idrija.

http://www.slovenia.info/?news_items=621&lng=2

Throughout the centuries of turmoil at the European crossroads of Germanic, Roman and Slavic worlds, the Slovenians have managed to preserve their national homogeneity, which was far from easy. During this time, some Slovenians also left their original family homeland and moved to other countries or even continents. The last few decades have also been characterised by the opening of borders, and systemic changes and membership in the European Community have made Slovenia an even more interesting destination for foreign visitors.

Learning Slovenian in summer schools is becoming increasingly popular, many descendants of former emigrants and expatriates are re-discovering the cultural and other characteristics of this incredible country with a very versatile landscape. In this jubilee year, Slovenia will be especially hospitable.

The biggest event will take place in Ljubljana on 1st July 2011. The event is entitled WELCOME HOME and will host Slovenian associations, media and other Slovenian organisations from all parts of the world; it will also feature music, dance, theatre and other performances, as well as several workshops, educational and other presentations, and sports games will take place. More details can be found at www.twenty.si, where a calendar of all events to celebrate this important anniversary is also posted. Other activities will be presented on the web portal of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians abroad and around the world.

In cooperation with a number of travel agents, the Slovenian Tourist Board has prepared a range of promotional packages and offers in the hope of making it easier for people to decide on a visit to Slovenia, and making the travelling here more attractive. The offer is regularly updated at Slovenian Tourist Board’s website at www.slovenia.info/homecoming and is available throughout the jubilee year.

The site is also intended as a forum for exchanging impressions and memories of the original ancestral homeland, and includes a variety of interactive sections and rewards, while expatriates are also invited to visit Slovenia via various social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare) and other activities by Slovenia’s tourism sector. The INTERACTIVE QUIZ at www.slovenia.info/homecoming/quiz about Slovenia will last all year, and 30 participants will be drawn to win attractive prizes. Online catalogues and other materials, including the latest – I FEEL PROUD, list a number of good reasons to visit Slovenia.

Moreover, other websites, including the Feel-Slovenia profile on Facebook (with a special web game), offer information and attractive prizes. News on Twitter via the @SloveniaInfo official profile and on the Foursquare social network are regularly posted; emails and notifications will be sent out directly to those interested in the jubilee year and all activities related to people who are linked to Slovenia and to those who have decided to explore their roots in 2011. Slovenian tourism will also be presented at various events (e.g. fairs).

We should also point out that special website involved in the 20th anniversary of Slovenian independence, http://www.twenty.si/first-20-years/, gives a cross-section of 20 years of Slovenian independence, where you can read various stories, views and thoughts contributed along the way by a range of prominent Slovenians.

http://www.slovenia.info/?news_items=600&lng=2