Ten Croatian associations from Piran, Velenje, Maribor, Novo Mesto, the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, the Slovenian Pomurje region and Bosnian Croatians living in Škofja Loka performed folklore, singing and stage plays.
The fifth Croatian Culture Parliament in neighbouring Slovenia was stage in the Slovenian coastal town of Kopar on Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of June by organisers the Federation of Croatian Associations in Slovenia and the Istra Croatian Culture Association of Piran. The event was held under the auspices of the President of Slovenia Borut Pahor and his Croatian counterpart Kolinda Grabar Kitarović.
Ten Croatian associations that work within the Croatian community in the neighbouring country, from the Slovenian towns of Piran, Velenje, Maribor, Novo Mesto, the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, the Slovenian Pomurje region and Bosnian Croatians living in the Slovenian town of Škofja Loka performed folklore, singing and stage plays with the aim of presenting Croatian culture to the broader Slovenian public.
Martinčev square in Piran was the venue for stands featuring traditional Croatian foods and souvenirs. An exhibition featuring several artists active in Slovenia was opened at St Francis of Assisi Hall following a Catholic mass celebrated in the Croatian language.
An all day programme on the summer stage in the frame of the Kopar Summer Festival featured performances by the members of the various associations in folk costume of songs and dances from across Croatia. Also on hand to greet the gathered were representatives of national institutions, including representatives of Croatian Parliament, the Croatian president, the State Office for Croats Abroad and the president of the Federation of Croatian Associations in Slovenia. The event programme was moderated by Mr Branko Uvodić.
Text by: Ljerka Galic
