Date
Saturday
Feb

February 8

Prešeren Day

Get ready to honor one of Slovenia's most beloved poets on Prešeren Day - immerse yourself in art, culture, and poetry!

Yearly Date
February 8
Type
Day
Country
Slovenia

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate Prešeren Day on Feb. 8, a special holiday in Slovenia that honors the country's greatest poet, France Prešeren. This day is also known as Slovenian Cultural Holiday and has been celebrated since 1945. Prešeren is considered a national hero and his works are an important part of Slovenian culture and identity. On this day, people gather to read his poetry, attend cultural events and concerts, and pay tribute to his legacy. It's a time to celebrate art, literature, and the rich cultural heritage of Slovenia. So mark your calendars and join in on the festivities!

Prešeren Day Timeline

1800
Birth of France Prešeren
France Prešeren, Slovenia's greatest poet, was born on December 2. His works played a key role in the formation of the Slovene language and cultural identity.
1849
Death of Prešeren
On February 8, Prešeren died in Kranj. This day would later be recognized as a day of Slovene culture.
1945
Celebration Begins
The Slovene Academy of Sciences and Arts proposed celebrating Prešeren Day on February 8, which was eventually established as a national culture day.
1991
Prešeren Day National Holiday
Following Slovenia’s independence, Prešeren Day was made an official national holiday.
2012
UNESCO Recognition
Prešeren Day was added to the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

How to Celebrate Prešeren Day

1

Attend a poetry reading

Celebrate the works of Slovenia's greatest poet, France Prešeren, by attending a poetry reading. Listen to his beautiful words and gain a deeper appreciation for his impact on Slovenian culture.

2

Visit Prešeren's birthplace

Take a trip to the town of Vrba, where Prešeren was born and spent his childhood. Learn about his life, see his house, and pay your respects to this important figure in Slovenian history.

3

Create your own poem

Get creative and write your own poem in honor of Prešeren Day. You can share it with friends and family or even submit it to a poetry competition to showcase your talents.

4

Watch a performance of Prešeren's works

Find a local theater or performance group putting on a play or musical featuring Prešeren's poems. Enjoy a night out while paying tribute to Slovenia's national poet.

5

Organize a cultural event

Gather your community and organize a cultural event to celebrate Prešeren Day. This could include music, dance, food, and other activities to showcase the beauty and diversity of Slovenian culture.

Why Prešeren Day is Important

A

Commemorates a national hero

France Prešeren, the namesake of Prešeren Day, is considered Slovenia's greatest poet and is celebrated as a national hero. This day is an opportunity for Slovenians to honor and remember his contributions to their literature and cultural identity.

B

Promotes Slovenian culture

Prešeren Day is also important because it showcases and preserves Slovenian culture through various events and activities such as poetry readings and musical performances. It brings people together to celebrate their shared traditions and heritage.

C

Emphasizes the value of art and language

France Prešeren was not only a poet but also a linguist who played a significant role in shaping the Slovene language. Prešeren Day highlights the importance of art and language in preserving a nation's history, traditions, and values for future generations.

Prešeren Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Feb 7
Tuesday
2024
Feb 7
Wednesday
2025
Feb 7
Friday
2026
Feb 7
Saturday
2027
Feb 7
Sunday