12th CELEBRATION OF ST. MARTIN IN BANJA LUKA

This year, at the celebration of 12th Martinovanje numerous guests joined us including Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to BiH H.E. Andrej Grasselli, Consul of the Republic of Slovenia in Banja Luka, Mr. Aladar Belec, Mayor of the City of Banja Luka Mr. Dragoljub Davidović, Deputy Mayor of the City of Banja Luka Mr. Jasmin Komić, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly of the City of Banja Luka Mr. Zdravko Josipović, a representative of the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Srpska Mrs. Marija Tomić, Mayor of the Municipality of Laktaši Mr. Milovan Topolović, representatives of the city of Novo mesto and other officials. There were also Mr. Janez Rogelj from the Slovenian Emigrants’ Society, representatives of cultural institutions of the City of Banja Luka, a secretary of the Society for the Development of Voluntary Work Novo mesto Mrs. Branka Bukovec, representatives of national minorities, representatives of Slovenian associations in BiH, and numerous sponsors. We jointly enjoyed the programme managed by Mr. Željko Šarić, which included the performances of the Cultural Association “Kraški dom” Repentabor near Trieste, our choir "Davorin Jenko", Cultural Association “Veselin Masleša”, and students of supply teaching lessons of the Slovenian language together with their teacher Valentina Gradič. The ceremony of baptizing wine was performed by Mr. Silvo Polak playing the character of St. Martin, while a music group from Novo mesto entertained guests long into the night. This traditional celebration of St. Martin was held in joyful atmosphere, with a lot of dancing, good food and refreshments, all with great help of our sponsors. As president of the Association “Triglav” Mrs. Marija Grbić said, “this celebration is the crown of our annual work, but also a good chance to get together, renew old acquaintanceships and establish new ones”.