Under the organisation of the Association of Slovenians “Triglav” the VII Slovenian Day took place in Slatina on 25 June 2016.
Slatina is the place that in early 20th century welcomed many Slovenians who fled from Fascism and Italian assimilation and moved to the area to build new home. Marking the Slovenian day the Slovenians of Slatina and Banja Luka wish to maintain the memory of their ancestors who came to the area long time ago.
On behalf of the Association of the Slovenians of the RS “Triglav” Banja Luka, the attendees were first greeted by vice-president of the Association Mrs. Nataša Kajmaković. There followed the speech by Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to BiH Mr. Iztok Grmek, who commended the organisation of the event which contributed to establishing and maintaining links with Slovenia and Slovenian associations in BiH and wider. In addition, he congratulated 25th anniversary of Slovenian independence to all Slovenians.
Given that Slovenian Day takes place in Slatina which belongs to the territory of the municipality of Laktaši, the attendees, as every year, were welcomed by the mayor of Laktaši, Mr. Miroslav Kodžoman. He emphasised that the event had been integrated in the tourist offer of the municipality as part of the Laktaši Summer event.
Introductory speeches were followed by a cultural programme. The first to perform were the hosts - Mixed choir “Davorin Jenko” Banja Luka, which has marked 15 years of work this year, for which some of the members received Gallus' acknowledgement.
After them, there performed guests from KPD “Bazovica” Rijeka. They are a very active association, with 11 sections (folklore, choir, mountaineers, art section, photographers...). This time, they came to Banja Luka with a folklore group and choir. First to present was the folklore group with two combinations of Slovenian dances. Following the folklore, the choir performed two songs.
Cultural programme ended by the performance of Children Folklore Group of the Association “Triglav” Banja Luka. They danced a combination of Slovenian national dances which they will also dance at the “Dobrodošli doma” /Welcome Home/ event in Ljubljana.
This year, as guests, we had consul of the Consular Office of the Slovenian Embassy in Banja Luka Mr. Marjan Ristič, previous consul Mr. Branko Zupanc, and Mrs. Branka Bukovec from the Association for the Development of Voluntary Work Novo mesto, who took care of good atmosphere by bringing a music group from Novo mesto. As special guests we had photographers of Photo Club Janez Puhar from Kranj, and representatives of Grammar School Novo mesto and other national minorities of Banja Luka. Some of the attendees (Tourist organisation of the municipality of Laktaši, representatives of national minorities of the City of Banja Luka and Association Triglav) presented their work on the stands placed near the stage, and offered souvenirs, newsletters, books and some culinary specialities.
Slovenian Day was organised with financial assistance of the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republika Srpska and the Municipality of Laktaši.
