Colors of Ljubljana - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The main personality traits of local people are considered to be modesty, earnest, independence and diligence. At the first sight the local people may appear to city visitors avoidant and unsociable. But in fact they are eager companions having fine sense of humor. Tourists should definitely take into account the peculiarities of the personality and psychology of local people and behave according to the customary norms as this will let them avoid misunderstandings and misconception. For example, it is not customary to speak and laugh in a high key in public places. One should also avoid indecorous abusive questions and remarks considering the family of the companion and his financial status within the talk.

Local people consider the career to be one of the most important aspects of life, that is why one should not wonder the curiosity of local folks for the businesses and occupations of the foreign visitors. The independence and self-determination along with self sufficiency also find their reflections in every sphere of life. Setting off to the restaurant with new acquaintances one should keep in mind that the restaurant bill is paid individually, even women are paying for themselves. Generally the local folks of Ljubljana are strictly dividing their life into public and private. The communication with friends and colleagues does not commonly touch the private aspects of life.

The local residents are uninterested in night life and entertaining thus different bars and night clubs are not of immense popularity there. The majority of bars close till 22.00. It is inexcusable to make calls after that time as many city residents are already sleeping at this time. The main kind of greetings in the city is handshaking, it is appropriate as for greeting men so women. Hugging and kissing are intolerable. Such greetings are appropriate only within family or among birth relatives. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

speaking of ethnic peculiarities of local people, the passion to flowers and flowerbeds is worth mentioning. The warm season decorates the city with colorful and bright flowerbeds placed at every turn. During the city tour the curious travelers will see that many private residences are not hidden behind the fences. These are replaced with ornamental bushes and flower beds. The most exciting and engaging ethnic fest is considered to be the Feast of Saint Martin which is celebrated on the 11th of November.

Fans of event tourism will surely enjoy a festival called Druga Godba, thanks to which they can get acquainted with the multifaceted local culture. Folk music in all its manifestations (including folk songs in contemporary arrangements in various genres, from rock to electronic music), public festivities - all this and much more awaits visitors at the end of May at various locations throughout the central areas of the city (these include an open-air platform that is set up next to the monument to Anton Askerc, Cankarjev Dom, Center Urbane Kulture Kino Šiška, as well as AKC Metelkova Art Center).

An extensive cultural program for every visitor is offered by the Ljubljana Festival, which takes place during the summer months. At this time, the capital of Slovenia invites world-renowned show business stars, including solo artists, orchestras and smaller groups. Be sure to follow the news of upcoming events in various cultural institutions, so as not to miss an interesting one. In the capital of Slovenia, they love jazz, which has long become a classic. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy their favorite music at the end of the first summer month in the central streets of the city (the area of Cankarjev Dom), when the Jazz on the Streets is held here. By the way, this is one of the oldest jazz festivals in all of Europe, which is highly respected by its participants.

Film pod Zvezdami - this is the name of another festival that would be of interest to all guests of the city. During this event, one of the Slovenian capital's main attractions - Ljubljana Grad - becomes very attractive not only as a historic monument but also as a place where one can enjoy watching the latest movies in an enchanting atmosphere. The festival is held throughout the summer. On February 8, Slovenian Culture Day is celebrated on Prešernov Square. The event is timed to coincide with the death-day of France Prešeren, one of the most significant figures in the local culture. At this time, a fair is open, and works of the outstanding Slovenian poet and author of the anthem of Slovenia are read out in squares.

No less interesting is another festival introducing foreigners to the multifaceted culture of local people, which is called Jurjevanje v Beli Krajini. If the Druga Godba Festival is mainly focused on music, the Jurjevanje is about dancing. However, in addition to dance performances, visitors can enjoy a lot of interesting activities: sports, master classes, a gastronomic program. Organizers do not forget about little tourists, for whom interesting events such as games and contests are prepared too. The festival can be attended at the end of June on the outskirts of Ljubljana.