Days of Poetry and Wine: A Celebration of Art and Culture in Ptuj

For 28 consecutive years, the Days of Poetry and Wine festival has been a highlight of cultural life in this part of Europe, offering a unique blend of poetic expression and the finest wines. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Ptuj—Slovenia's oldest town, rich in history and culture—this festival is a feast for the senses, enchanting and inspiring all who attend. Ptuj is not only famous for its cultural heritage but also as the hometown of world-class athlete Kristjan Čeh, the discus thrower who has made Slovenia proud on the global stage.

Kristjan Čeh and his fiancée visit Ptuj

Discus thrower Kristjan Čeh returns to his hometown of Ptuj for a romantic visit with his his fiancée.

Kristjan Čeh and his fiancée visit Ptuj

More

Ptuj

The oldest town in Slovenia, nestled between gentle wine-growing hills and the River Drava.

Ptuj

More

The festival brings together poetry, wine, music and art, making it a must-visit for people of all ages and tastes. From intimate evening poetry readings and captivating concerts to wine tastings and courtyard gatherings, there is something for everyone.

This year's edition promises over 60 free events, making it more accessible than ever. Highlighting the festival are distinguished guests of honour Pia Tafdrup from Denmark and Valzhyna Mort from Belarus, who will be joined by more than 18 international poets. These poets have been carefully selected by this year’s curator, Ukrainian-Jewish-American poet Ilya Kaminsky, alongside the festival's programme director, Kristina Kočan.

Adding to the festival’s prestige, this year’s "Open Letter to Europe" has been penned by Jacek Dehnel, a celebrated Polish poet and writer, whose works have earned him numerous literary awards. Furthermore, the spotlight will be on South Korean poetry, offering attendees a chance to explore the rich literary traditions of this vibrant culture.

Whether you're a poetry enthusiast, a wine lover or simply looking for a memorable cultural experience, the Days of Poetry and Wine in Ptuj promise an unforgettable experience.

Location: Vrazov trg and various venues across Ptuj's historic old town 

Full Programme Available here. 

Photo by Andrej Tarfila

This article is part of an exciting partnership with with the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia, of which Ptuj is also a member. The partnership aims to bring you captivating stories from the historical towns nestled across Slovenia. As a regular feature of News from Slovenia, delivered to our valued subscribers, readers can expect to discover exciting stories from these timeless cities in the coming months. The contents and photos for this article were provided by the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia and The Ptuj Tourism Board.

Back to news