The Slovenians of Banja Luka marked the jubilee 15th St. Martin in restaurant Valentin in Banja Luka on 23 November 2013.
There were approximately 300 guests, not only Slovenians but also members of other nations who have been marking with us the old jolly holiday of christening musk into wine for a number of years.
This year we were accompanied by Minister of the Office for Slovenians Abroad Tina Komel, Mr. Sandi Bonaca, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to BiH Iztok Grmek, Head of Consular Office in Banja Luka Branko Zupanc, representatives from the Slovenian Emigrants’ Association, Vesna Vukšinič-Zmaić and Pižent Suhadolc, Mayor of Banja Luka Slobodan Gavranović, Minister of Science and Technology of the Republic of Srpska Jasmin Komić, Branka Bukovec secretary of the Society for the Development of Voluntary Work Novo mesto, representatives of the Library “Anton Tomaž Linhart” from Radovljica, our faithful sponsors, members of the Slovenian associations from Tuzla and Belgrade and many fellow countrymen. Theatre actor Jaka Birkelbach from Črnomelj played St. Martin and in a witty manner carried out the christening ceremony, together with all the attendees.
Members of our Association prepared a short cultural programme with the participation of mixed choir “Davorin Jenko” and our young group of folklorists. The attendees were addressed by high representatives from Slovenia and Banja Luka. The entire programme was led in a relaxed manner by Tomaž Simetinger.
As usual, celebration of St. Martin was joyful and this year guests were particularly in a good mood. Along with some food, wine and good music played by ensemble Efekt from Novo mesto they all had good time late into the night.
Nataša Kajmaković
