Slatina, a sunny, slightly windy Friday, March 11, 2022, was special for the members of the Association of Slovenians Triglav Banja Luka.
In Slatina, the second homeland of many Slovenian families who immigrated to Slatina, Banjaluka and its surroundings in different historical periods, in 2023 we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the immigration of Slovenians to these areas. The repeated promises of the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad to visit Slovenian associations in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been prolonged several times due to Covid. We can wish Covid "goodbye", and what remains - the promised visit. From the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad, Minister Helena Jaklitsch, PhD and associate Suzana Martinez came. In Prijedor, in addition to the members of the Lipa Association, the guests were also welcomed by the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Damijan Sedar, PhD, and Minister Plenipotentiary, Zvone Žigon, PhD. From Prijedor, the eminent guests continued their journey to Slatina and Banja Luka.
Our meeting in Slatina was cordial and spontaneous. Everything went according to plan, there was no shortage of television, either. There was also journalist Dušan Tomažič, who records and talks about many Slovenian associations outside of Slovenia. A member of our association, Mladen Lunić, explained the history of Slatina while they were visiting Slatina. He spoke about the Štrekelj family, the Adamič family, who made a great contribution to the development of Slatina. Today, Slatina is a leader in agriculture and fruit growing. Natural healing springs have included Slatina in the eminent spa rehabilitation centers. Slatina is developing its tourism and wishes to become part of modern rural tourism. Lunić's household, which built the only SLOVENIAN KOZOLEC in Bosnia and Herzegovina, wants to have a part of this tourism. Together with the minister, the guests toured kozolec, where they discussed preparations for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Slovenians in this place. There we refreshed ourselves and rested a little. A lunch was prepared for all those present, in which there was plenty of everything. Mrs. Lunić is a descendant of Slovenians and has not forgotten how her mother used to make bread of Bela Krajina.
The time was too short for longer socializing. The wish of the guests was to visit the Trappist monastery. This was followed by a tour of our new premises. We talked with the minister about problems that we cannot solve on our own and about our future plans. Let me mention just a few issues. Telekom Republika Srpska canceled the first program of RTV Slovenia. We were left without the program that we followed every day. We are deprived of many things that happened and are happening in our homeland. We know that Slovenia will have elections. Years ago, we who live abroad also voted. We have ballots. We sent our votes by mail, but this is a big expense on our modest income. The consular office of the Republic of Slovenia is located in Banja Luka. There may be a possibility to perform our civic duty at the consular office. Our interlocutor, Mrs. Jaklitsch, listened to us. She understood everything we talked about. We were surprised by her tolerance and directness. She found time to talk to each of us. In addition to everything that was happening, there was also the unexpected arrival of our choir. Thank you to all our guests for their visit, and our gift to the minister, the symbol of the gallery painting, the blue embroidery, which UNESCO included in the cultural heritage of our second homeland. Our association also received a gift, this time the symbol of Triglav - the Aljaž tower. Hoping that we who are not mountaineers but like to sing and dance can also visit it. Singing always brings people together, and this time it was no exception. A Slovenian song was sung by our choir together with the minister, experienced singer Zvone Žigon, and I also joined. Too little time, too much desire. It was high time to relax. We did so at the Kazamat restaurant. A short meeting, wonderful weather, successful conversations and finally the Slovenian song Siva pot. Good luck until we meet again in Slovenia.
Nataša Kajmaković
Translation: Ana Marjanović
