Slovenian Cultural Holiday

Slovenian Cultural Holiday History

Slovenian Cultural Holiday, also known as Preseren Day, commemorates the anniversary of the death of famed poet France Preseren. On 8 February 1849, France Preseren, the equivalent of Shakespeare or Pushkin in Slovenia, passed away. His work was and remains classic Slovenian poetry, not only in Slovenia, but throughout Europe as well.

Slovenian Cultural Holiday is celebrated 8 February. The holiday was officially proclaimed in 1944 by Slovenia's National Freedom Council.

Top facts and quotes about Slovenian Cultural Holiday

• In 1947, the first Preseren awards for cultural and artistic achievements were presented in the capital of Ljubljana.
• Preseren is also the poet who wrote Slovenia's current national anthem, Zdravljica (The Toast).
• Preseren was born on 3 December 1800 in Vrba, Slovenia. He later attended university in Vienna.
• My passion is aflame, although I find
  Your glance gives me no hope when you are near;
  Lest I offend, my lips are sealed by fear.
  
  My poor heart's fate, so bitter and unkind,
  My secret burden - all this they make clear,
  These tear-stained flowers of a poet's mind - France Preseren, A Wreath's Sonnet excerpt
• God's blessing on all nations
  Who long and work for that bright day
  When o'er earth's habitations
  No war, no strife shall hold its sway
  Who long to see
  That all men free
  No more shall foes, but neighbours be! - France Preseren, seventh stanza of Slovenia's national anthem

In the News and Trending for Slovenian Cultural Holiday

Top events and things to do

• Visit the Preseren Memorial Museum, in Kranj, or the Preseren House, in Vrba. Both places were once home to the poet.
• Spread awareness for the day on social media by posting pictures of you and your friends or family with the hashtags #Slovenian, #SlovenianCulture and #FrancePreseren.
• Read some of Preseren's famous poem and literary works. Some of our favourites include: The Water Man, A Toast, A Wreath of Sonnets and Rosamund of Turjak.
• Visit the monument to Preseren in the centre of Ljubljana. The large monument was erected in September of 1905 and has withstood two wars.