CURRENT EVENTS
75 years of maintaining ties
In 2026, the Slovenian Emigrant Association is celebrating the 75th anniversary of continuous operations. This is a long and significant period of time during which the Association saw numerous changes – from encouraging ones to those less enjoyable. But despite all challenges in our way, we remain committed to our mission to maintain the ties with our compatriots across the globe, to make them feel a part of the Slovenian community and encouraging them to return again and again to the homeland they once left behind for different reasons. To commemorate this important anniversary, we are preparing a photo exhibition entitled 75 years of maintaining ties to highlight the rich history of the Association.
CULTURE
Where abroad can we find Slovenian libraries?
On 10 December 2026 – an unusually sunny day for the end of the year – a conference took place at the Prešeren Hall of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts. The event dubbed Bridges of knowledge: Slovenian libraries at home and abroad in today’s information society (Mostovi znanja: Slovenske knjižnice doma in po svetu v sodobni informacijski družbi in Slovenian) raised many important questions and offered even more solutions and ideas, which we can only hope will come to life in the years to come.
Slovenian libraries are not only found in Slovenia, but also across the border and overseas. All these libraries are facing challenges. We are living in the era of information society, and artificial intelligence is slowly but surely entering our lives. This is something libraries will have to adapt to. The conference was organized by the Slovenian World Congress in cooperation with the National and University Library of Slovenia and with support from the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad.
GENERATIONS
35 years of the Dialog of Two Worlds exhibition by Viktor Šulčić
Time keeps ticking, and many things have unfolded – at the personal, group and collective levels. We are closing in on an important date that deserves to be honored. 35 years ago – on 7 March 1991 to be precise – the Recoleta Cultural Center in Buenos Aires, an exceptional venue of symbolic significance, opened an exhibition titled Dialog of Two Worlds, which honored the works of Slovenian architect Viktor Sulčić. Sulčič took part in important and monumental projects around the Argentine capital, including the Abasto Proveedor market, the Boca Juniors stadium, the entrance to the Luján cemetery and others. Sponsoring the exhibition were Minister for Slovenians Abroad Matej Arčon, Janez Dular, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia and SIM (Symbolic Mission of Slovenia), which enabled the relocation of the exhibition.
The last partisan in Argentina
Rodna gruda has already featured an article about Julia Sarachu Vodopivec, who holds a doctoral degree in literature and teaches Slavic literature at the University of Buenos Aires. She has translated and published numerous books by Slovenian authors for the Gog y Magog publishing house, which was established in 2003 to promote Slovenian literature in Argentina. Julia’s grandfather Rafael Vodopivec passed away in 2015 at the age of 100 years. In December 2025, Julia also lost her great-uncle Bernard – her grandfather’s young brother, who was 99 years old and lived in the San Luis province in Argentina. Julia felt a special affection for Bernard, considering him to be the last partisan (surely, there have to be a couple of Slovenian partisans still alive in Slovenia, but this is not the case in Argentina). To mark his passing, Julia penned the following lines, which testify not only of her uncle, but also others who have survived the war, fled the country and made a new home abroad. This is their story.
SLOVENIAN CUISINE
Blood sausages at the Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot: A culinary showcase of Slovenian tradition in Kog
The Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Kog is an event that brings together cuisine, tourism, culture and religion – all elements of this pilgrim holiday. It is an annual event that commemorates Saint Anthony the Abbot, the protector of stock, stockmen and butchers, whose name day takes place on 17 January. Each years, hikers and pilgrims visit Kog from nearby Ljutomer, Ormož and Croatia. Many people use this opportunity to meet a relative or acquaintance after a long time, reminiscing of their youth and saying a prayer for their stock, especially pigs. Traditionally, a celebratory holy mass takes place, featuring church choirs that also perform at the main outdoor venue with booths.
SLOVENIAN LANDSCAPE
Slovenia enters a pre-election frenzy
Slovenia is being stirred by the upcoming parliamentary elections, which will take place in less than two months. As was to be expected, both political sides are promising us the world. The ruling parties are trying to prove how they need another term in the office to finish what they have started, while the opposition is claiming a change is necessary to repair the damage caused by the coalition. At the heart of the heated discussion is the Slovenian economy – the driving force of development.
As if in a trance, the parties are forming pre-electoral coalitions, drawing up lists of candidates and convincing voters that they are the best choice. Also garnering much media attention is an increasing number of real or made-up scandals, which is business per usual before each election. Aside from the parliamentary election, preparations are also underway for the local elections planned in the fall.
mag. Kristijan Radikovič
