Slovenian Day is traditionally organized by the Association of Slovenians "Triglav" Banja Luka in Slatina, and this was the case for the 17th time, on June 27, 2026.
I have to agree with the words of the president of the Association, Ivan Memon, when he welcomed everyone in his welcome speech and said that there is no more beautiful environment, that we cherish the tradition of memory, pass on stories, history and values from generation to generation. This event is included in the calendar of events of the City of Laktaši.
As every year, we invited the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Damijan Sedar, representatives of the Slovenian Emigrants' Association, representatives of the Association for the Development of Voluntary Work Novo Mesto, Istrians and Primorska inhabitants Association in Prekmurje – an association for the preservation of tradition, representatives of associations of Slovenians from Smederevo, Prijedor, Tuzla, Zenica and Kakanj, representatives of national minorities from the Union of National Minorities of the Republic of Srpska, representatives of the city administrations of the City of Banja Luka and the City of Laktaši, and members of our Association.
Those present were greeted by the ambassador of Slovenia, H.E. Damijan Sedar, who praised the work of the Association and especially the program host Jovan Dimitrijević, who impressed everyone with his hosting skills, especially the Slovenian language that he spoke flawlessly. The attendees were also addressed by the Mayor of the City of Banja Luka, Mr. Draško Stanivuković, who emphasized that year after year, the event "Slovenian Day" is always one of those in his calendar to whose invitation he gladly responds, and expressed his satisfaction that, together with the Ambassador of Slovenia to BiH, Mr. Sedar, he attended this traditional event, which is being held for the 17th time in Slatina, on the border of Banja Luka and Laktaši. He also thanked the Association "Triglav" and President Ivan Memon for the invitation and said that we can always count on the support of the City of Banja Luka. And the representative of the City Administration of Laktaši, Srđan Blagojević, who emphasized that the City of Laktaši has been supporting the work of the Association for many years and that it will remain so.
We also prepared a short cultural program with the participation of our choir “Davorin Jenko” and the Small Vocal Group "Lindua" from Lendava. Nataša Tomšić delighted us with her interpretation of Simon Gregorčič's lyrics "Znamenje".
After the cultural program, dinner and drinks were served. We enjoyed a delicious goulash with a drop of wine. We enjoyed a variety of cakes prepared by our hard-working members, to whom we can congratulate on their culinary skills. In a relaxed atmosphere, with the music of Janez and Dragiša, we continued socializing with dance and song. The atmosphere was cheerful, we played polka and waltz and sang. They performed Slovenian and our songs. The highlight of the evening was when we all sang "The Day of Love" together and thus the Slovenian day turned into the Day of Love.
Ljiljana Memon
