Ptuj, an old town through which the Drava River flows, with many historical spots, an old medieval fortress of which the inhabitants of Ptuj are particularly proud, hosted on 4 July 2015 many Slovenians from neighbouring countries and abroad. They came to the traditional gathering of “Welcome home”.
Organisers were the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad and the municipality of Ptuj.
The event took place on the Town Square where the main stage was located, while other events took place at the Minorite monastery, at certain places where exhibitions, workshops and children programmes were held and in the St. Peter and Paul’s Church. The holy mass was held there for emigrants. The Encijan choir of Pula took part at the mass.
The commencement of the central event was at 15.00. The Wind Orchestra of Ptuj introduced the programme. Numerous visitors were welcomed by the mayor of municipality of Ptuj Miran Senčar, which was followed by Minister of the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad Gorazd Žmavc.
There were approximately 20 Slovenian associations participating in the programme, from former republics of Yugoslavia, Austria, Germany, Hungary and Argentina. There followed vocal, folklore, reciting, drama and instrumental groups. Each association wished to show how much they were aware of homeland, preservation of language and culture.
Association of Slovenians “Triglav” Banja Luka was represented by Mixed choir “Davorin Jenko” and children folklore group. The choir sang two Slovenian folk songs and two old city songs. Children folklore group won the attention of the audience by their Slovenian dances. We also need to mention an interview that Mihaela Lunić and Ana Katalina had with Radio Slovenia. They were a bit nervous but managed to answer the questions in good Slovenian. The efforts that pupils of supply teaching lessons of Slovenians invest in studying Slovenian, as well as efforts of their teacher Barbara Hanuš were not in vein, to the contrary, they are commendable.
The entire programme, prepared by the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad, Slovenian Emigrants’ Association and others, was observed by many participants that offered their handicraft, original Slovenian cuisine and beverages on stands to many visitors and at the same time spoke about the unique nature of Slovenian culture and innovation. At the end of the programme, there were sixty accordions playing vivid tones all over the windows surrounding the Town Square, while all the participants to the programme raised their beautiful white umbrellas and greeted everyone. The evening ended by a concert of a famous Slovenian singer Helena Blagna.