Prešeren's Day, a Slovenian cultural holiday, February 8, is celebrated on the anniversary of the death of the famous Slovenian poet France Prešeren, and this day is celebrated by Slovenians around the world in honour of this great man.
The Association of Slovenians of RS "Triglav" Banja Luka traditionally celebrates this great cultural holiday every year, so this year, in this difficult time of the Covid pandemic, the Slovenian cultural holiday is celebrated in Banja Luka in adapted circumstances and with respect for all epidemiological measures.
This year's celebration of Prešeren's Day was held on Friday, February 5, 2021, in the newly renovated premises of the Association "Triglav" with a special programme.
As part of the programme, Mrs. Nataša Kajmaković, through selected sketches from life and work, for a moment, reminded everyone present of Prešeren's contribution to Slovenian culture. The recitation of Prešeren's poems was accompanied by a projection of images, which additionally evoked the wealth that Prešeren left us.
Parts of his great works were recited, such as Sonnets of Misfortune - the first sonnet "O Vrba" in which the poet depicts his life as it could have been if he had not left his native village, then the song "Pevcu" which talks about the meaning of poetry and vocation, elegy "A Word from Youth" which talks about the basic life lessons and the poet's personal destiny. We also heard Prešeren's first ballad "Povodni mož" arranged by the famous Slovenian composer Miha Renčelj.
The gathering was also an opportunity for the members of the Association "Triglav" to read some of the Slovenian works in the new reading corner.
The gathering of the members of the Association "Triglav" was rounded off with a small snack and a cocktail.
This does not end the celebration of Prešeren's days in Banja Luka. February, the month of culture, will be dedicated by the members of the Association "Triglav" to sorting numerous books in the Slovenian language and forming a library in the renovated premises of the Association. In addition to the rich library, there is also a small Reading Corner where members can enjoy reading literature written in Slovenian.
In this way, the Association of Slovenians "Triglav" Banja Luka continues its journey to preserve the Slovenian language, culture and identity.
Anita Čemažar Marković
Translated by Ana Marjanović
