Slatina, a Slovenian village, called like that before and even today by some, was in the centre of attention on 27 June 2015. The Association of Slovenians “Triglav” Banja Luka marked already the 6th Slovenian Day.
That is the memory of many people of Kraš, Primorje, Gorica and other places settled here as early as in 1923 because of terror, war events, national hatred. Hilly area of Slatina reminded them of homeland they had to leave. Here they started building a new home, area to live together with domicile population. The nature of the area offered them warm, mineral water, good land, forests and pleasant climate while their diligence, knowledge brought with them made the area abundant and urban. Slatina today is known as a modern health and rehabilitation centre, known by strawberries of Slatina, grapes and jolly people which is something we did not lack on Saturday, 27 June. On the plateau in front of the Orthodox church over three hundred people celebrated. We had stands with ethnic handicraft, which beside Slovenians were used by the Czech minority as well as the Women Association “Osmjeh žene” Laktaši to present their associations, and a stand made by pupils of supply teaching lessons of Slovenian together with their teacher Barbara. We had guests from Primorska, Gorenjska, Prekmurje and Dolenjska, thus contributing to the programme.
Wind orchestra from Brkini, approximately 30 young musicians, marched passed together with a folklore group from Bled and awoke the population of Slatina and health centre. I think something like this has never been seen in the area. Programme started as planned. Presenters, members of the Association “Triglav”, Nataša Kajmaković and Darko Mijatović tried to have the programme without problems. Welcome speech on behalf of the Association “Triglav” was given by vice-president Mladen Lunić who greeted the attendees, whereupon the following speakers continued: consul of the Consular Office of the Republic of Slovenia in Banja Luka, Branko Zupanc, mayor of Laktaši, Miroslav Kodžoman and representative of municipality of Kozina. They praised the association’s work and wished successful future. Then followed singing groups. The first to perform were the hosts, Mixed choir “Davorin Jenko” of the Association “Triglav” Banja Luka and guests, wind orchestra from Brkini. Then followed Teacher’s choir Dotik from Hrpelje-Brkini, Men vocal group Pozdrav from Gorenja vas and group Lisjaki, who took care of good time after the programme. Slovenian national dances were performed by: Folklore group from Bled and Children folklore group of our association.
We had fun time. It was a true celebration previously organised by our ancestors in Slatina and the kind older generations still remember and whose tradition and memory is followed up by current and future generations.
Nataša Kajmaković
