Ljubljana: A Summer of Festivals

08. 06. 2011

Ljubljana: A Summer of Festivals


Some of the festivals go on for throughout the summer, while the others last for a month or less. The Ljubljana Summer Festival is the longest-running one; it starts in June and continues until the end of the season. The festival primarily stages events of high artistic value, with special attention paid to opera, ballet and classical music. At the opening of the 59thfestival, spectators will see a grand performance of Mahler's 8th symphony, with more than a thousand performers; throughout the summer, the festival will host many internationally famous names.

 

 

Another summer-long festival is Summer in Ljubljana Old Town which takes place in various churches, inner courtyards and squares in the old city centre, mostly without an entrance fee, while the larger concerts take place in Cankarjev dom and in the superb acoustics of the Križanke Open Air Theatre, beloved by many acclaimed artists, Nick Cave being just one of them. The festival ends witha special evening: a Night in Ljubljana's Old Town.

Little ones also will be able to enjoy culture - at the Mini Summer Festival, the largest and most important children's festival in Slovenia, offering international puppet and theatre plays, usually every Sunday for the whole summer, on different venues, from the Ljubljana Castle to the streets.


Short but sweet

 

There will also be shorter festivals this summer. Jazz lovers will be able to enjoy the finest the genre has to offer during the four-day Ljubljana Jazz Festival. The many venues, as well as the streets will offer an intriguing programme.August belongs to Trnfest, a one-month-long indoor and outdoor festival with a wide array of events from concerts, theatre performances, improv events, stand-up comedy, DJ evenings and much more. The end of August will see the Young Lions international festival adding another piece in the event mosaic with theatre, music and exhibitions.

 

 

Those who prefer being outdoors will love the festival Ana Desetnica at the end of June. For the 14th season, this international festival of street performers will offer big spectacles and small performances, musical shows, circus acts and various workshops. This festival brings a different dimension to Ljubljana and is extremely popular.Another street festival is the EmonaPromenade in Trnovo, traditionally hosting international artists with a great deal of the programme intended for the youngest audiences.

 

Apart from festivals, one can attend events in the new Stožice hall, a new cultural venue contributing to making Ljubljana truly a vibrant city, booming with culture and events, attracting big names to the country.

And another thing: even if you just want to go for a stroll or an ice-cream, culture awaits you there as well due to the daily organised concerts in many of the cafes.

So,this summer just hit the streets, let the culture come to you and - enjoy it!

 

SOURCE: The Slovenia Times

 

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