CURRENT EVENTS

25 years of the Slovenian Cultural Association Istria in Pula, Croatia

On the eve of the anniversary of establishment, the Slovenian Cultural Association Istria celebrated 25 years of commitment to the Slovenian culture, preserving the language and strengthening the unity of Slovenians in the Croatian Istria. The celebratory event took place at the Vodnjan Youth Centre and was attended by many members of the Association, guests from Slovenia and Croatia as well as representatives of institutions supporting Slovenians living abroad.

CULTURE

Between stories, memories and yearning: 75 years of uniting Slovenians living abroad

During a morning walk on the Jakopič Promenade, a visitor to Ljubljana’s famous Tivoli Park is met with faces of people peering at them from among the tree canopies and rustling leaves. Some are smiling, some singing and others embracing relatives they have not seen in a long while. The photos feature children wearing traditional costumes, singers, missionaries, workers, sportspeople, artists and families with one common denominator – Slovenia.

The exhibition titled 75 years of maintaining ties, which the Slovenian Emigrant Association has prepared to mark its anniversary, is more than just a recollection of the activities carried out since the establishment in 1951. It is a retelling of the stories of many generations of people who set foot into the world, never truly leaving their homeland behind.

Eighty large panels bring together photos of gatherings, cultural events, visits, celebrations and homecomings. The exhibition is not a chronological recollection of events, but rather a mosaic of memories, experiences and stories that showcase it is possible to preserve a sense of belonging even when one is separated from their homeland by whole oceans and continents.

GENERATIONS

Dušan Tomažič, “Once you connect with our people, their world simply draws you in.”

Dušan Tomažič holds a master’s degree in geography and is a professor of history, radio speaker and editor at the Radio-Television of Slovenia, researcher as well as the author of many scientific articles, monographs and documentary films. His study of geography led him to Zagreb and Tuzla, where he had the opportunity to meet the local Slovenian communities. Since then, he has portrayed the realities, challenges, past and present of Slovenians living in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as the broader Western Balkans region in numerous articles and books, while also portraying and preserving their stories in documentary films and televised reports. His interest also extends to Slovenians living elsewhere around the world and to the communities living in countries neighboring Slovenia. Since 2020, he has been the editor and presenter of Rojaki, a show on the national television which offers glimpses into the lives of Slovenians living abroad, showcasing the rich variety of their activities and initiatives. In an interview for Rodna gruda, he explains how his journalistic curiosity turned into a lifelong mission. Yet, what stands out even more than his remarkable professional background is the person behind it all – a researcher and storyteller with a genuine interest in people, their fate and their unwavering Slovenian identity.

SLOVENIAN CUISINE

Minestrone soup evoking memories of home

The 5th Minestrone Soup Festival in Pince–Marof was more than just a competition in cooking a dish typical of Istria and the Littoral. It was, first and foremost, a gathering of Slovenians who – regardless of where they live – are brought together by shared roots, memories and a desire to preserve the heritage of their ancestors for future generations.

On 6 June 2026, the village of Pince–Marof in the Municipality of Lendava was filled with the savory aroma of minestrone soup. But to the visitors of the 5th Minestrone Soup Festival, the scent rising from the pots was much more than just the tempting smell of good food. It carried memories of the seaside, of home and of their relatives – and perhaps something even more important: a sense of belonging.

Prevedel: mag. Kristijan Radikovič