Jurjevanje in Bela krajina 2025 18.–22. June 2025 Jurjevanje in Bela krajina 2025 18.–22. June 2025
Bela krajina
Jurjevanje in Bela krajina 2025 18.–22. June 2025

The Oldest Folklore Festival in Slovenia

61th Jurjevanje in Bela Krajina

18.-22. june 2025 Jurjevanjska Draga in Črnomelj

Press

Five Festival Days of the 60th Jurjevanje in Bela krajina Attracted Around 10,000 Visitors


Črnomelj, June 2024

This year’s jubilee 60th Jurjevanje in Bela krajina drew around 10,000 visitors to enjoy a vibrant folkloric program. Over the course of five days, more than 40 events took place across ten venues, featuring over 1,300 performers. On Friday and Saturday, 17 artisans and local producers presented their crafts and delicacies at festival stalls.

“These five festival days were full of joy, smiles, and celebration—not just in the Jurjevanje Valley. International folklore groups also visited senior homes, kindergartens, and other locations, so we’re proud that we could bring Jurjevanje closer to the broader community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped write the story of the 60th Jurjevanje in Bela krajina,” said Barbara Papež Lavrič, director of RIC Bela krajina, at the festival’s conclusion.

A special feature of this year’s Jurjevanje was the participation of folklore groups from Panama, South Korea, Greece, and Italy. The colorful diversity of cultures and customs from across the globe filled the Jurjevanje Valley, and the outstanding performances brought the richness of world traditions closer to the audience.

“We are truly thrilled with the attendance and execution of this year’s jubilee Jurjevanje. The feedback from visitors has been excellent, and that’s what makes us happiest. We brought truly captivating folklore groups to Črnomelj, and they delivered a lively and diverse program of dance and music,” said Dubravko Čengija, president of the festival’s organizing committee.

A central role was once again played by local folklore groups from Bela krajina, who are the driving force behind preserving the region’s folk heritage. This year, ten groups from Črnomelj, Dragatuš, Vinica, Stari Trg, Adlešiči, and Metlika performed on the main stage. Their children’s folklore groups also delighted the audience during Thursday’s “Pastirče mlado” event. Around 350 young folklorists showcased their talents on the main Jurjevanje stage.

“Jurjevanje is more than just a festival. It is a symbol of our community, the hospitality and openness of Bela krajina. It’s an opportunity to show our pride in the heritage and creativity that define our region. The organizers have undoubtedly achieved that this year, and I am incredibly proud of every individual who was part of this dedicated team,” emphasized Andrej Kavšek, Mayor of the Municipality of Črnomelj.

The festival’s main organizer, RIC Bela krajina, sincerely thanks all the sponsors and donors whose support made the event possible, the Municipality of Črnomelj as the main sponsor, the organizing committee of the 60th Jurjevanje, and all the co-organizers who ensured the smooth and successful execution of this jubilee celebration.

Once again, Jurjevanje in Bela krajina demonstrated that it is an essential part of the region’s cultural life, successfully merging tradition and uniting people of all generations.

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