51st Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage in Kamnik: "No More Shall Foes, But Neighbours Be"

Every September, tradition comes alive in Kamnik as ethnography, culture, and entertainment converge for a vibrant celebration known as The Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage. This year, from Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 8, Kamnik will proudly host the 51st edition of this illustrious festival, under the inspiring motto "Ne vrag, le sosed bo mejak" ("No More Shall Foes, But Neighbours Be"—a powerful stanza from the Slovenian national anthem).

As Slovenia's largest ethnological festival, the Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage have a rich history of over 40 years. It all began in 1966 when the citizens of Kamnik first organized the festival. Even in its inaugural year, the event attracted numerous visitors from Kamnik and the surrounding areas. Over the years, the festival has undergone several name changes and expansions, reflecting its evolving nature and growing significance. 

This year, the festival will include a series of events designed to highlight the rich ethnological heritage of clothing, song, dance and music, with a special focus on the role of national costumes in shaping Slovenia’s cultural identity and consciousness. 

The programme will reach its peak with the spectacular grand Sunday parade, where 2,000 participants from Slovenia and beyond will don their vibrant national costumes and process through Kamnik’s historic medieval town centre. This year’s theme, "No More Shall Foes, But Neighbours Be" symbolizes the crossing of not just geographical, but also cultural and mental borders. The parade will feature costumes from Slovenia as well as from Serbia, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Austria, Italy and Germany, each representing the rich cultural heritage and unity of diverse communities.

The Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage continue to enrich the lives of Kamnik's citizens and the many visitors who come to experience the town's unique cultural offer.

Explore the programme

This article is part of an exciting partnership with with the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia, of which Kamnik 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 (by Boštjan Tacol)  for this article were provided by the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia and Visit Kamnik. 

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