On Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Slatina, students of Slovenian language classes from Banja Luka and Slatina had a Honey Hour or Honey Breakfast.
As we already know, the traditional Slovenian breakfast is celebrated in the Republic of Slovenia on the third Friday in November. So why do we occasionally celebrate the Honey Breakfast in Banja Luka in May? The answer is that May 20, thanks to the efforts of the Republic of Slovenia, has been World Bee Day since 2018. In addition to the importance of healthy nutrition, it is a day on which we remember the important role of small, but very important friends of nature and people – bees.
The Triglav Association has been celebrating the Traditional Slovenian Breakfast in various forms for many years with students of language classes and members of the Association. This year, the event was joined by: the Association of Amputees UDAS from Banja Luka in cooperation with the Beekeepers Association "Pčela" from Laktaši, presented by beekeeper Nikola Popović; the GLS Organization (Gradiška-Laktaši-Srbac) and Healthy Food, presented by Bojana Petrović and the actor of the children's theater from Banja Luka, Dušan Mazalica. Bees and their character were presented in a child-friendly and interesting way. Through questions and answers and a game, the children learned about how bees make delicious honey by visiting various flowers.
After the presentation about bees, Bojana presented the character of honey in a healthy diet, and made healthy fruit sticks with honey with the children. The traditional breakfast of bread, butter, honey, milk and fruit was additionally enriched with homemade gingerbread by a member of the Association, Mrs. Marija Petković.
At the end, a local beekeeper also presented various types of honey that are especially interesting for children: with chocolate, fruit, etc.
The Traditional Slovenian Breakfast project started in November 2011 in kindergartens and primary schools in Slovenia, with the aim of teaching children about healthy food and the importance of breakfast. The third Friday in November 2012 became Slovenian Food Day, but from 2024 it was expanded to Slovenian Food Week. The aim of the event is to present beekeeping and the importance of bees, promote healthy food, offer local products and emphasize the character of seasonal and locally produced food.
Bernarda Pleša
