Accordion Festival in Velenje: Slovenia Aims for a New Guinness World Record
On Sunday, 17 May 2026, the Vista event venue in Velenje will host the Accordion Festival, where accordion players from across Slovenia will attempt to set a new world record for the largest accordion ensemble. Blending rich musical heritage with the city’s vibrant tourism offer, the event will give visitors a lively insight into Slovenia’s beloved folk-pop music tradition.
The accordion is one of the cornerstones of Slovenia’s musical identity. Widely played across the country, the skill is often passed down through generations within families. The Vista Accordion Festival aims to place this tradition firmly on the global stage, as organisers seek to surpass the current Guinness World Record. The title is currently held by China with 5,282 accordion players, and Slovenia hopes to bring the record back to the homeland of this cherished instrument.
Cultural Heritage and Strict Performance Rules
The highlight of the event will be the collective performance of the iconic song Na Golici, widely regarded as a symbol of Slovenian music. What is more, Na Golici is considered the most frequently played instrumental composition in the world, adding further international significance to the record attempt. To ensure official recognition by a representative of Guinness World Records, several precise technical conditions must be met:
the piece must be performed in the key C–F–B,
the performance must be repeated three times, with a total duration between 5 and 10 minutes,
only acoustic accordions (diatonic, piano and chromatic) are permitted, while electronic and MIDI accordions are excluded from the attempt,
musicians of all generations may participate, provided they actively play the instrument.
A Tourism Experience for All Generations
Alongside the musical record attempt, the event at the Vista venue will feature a rich accompanying programme highlighting local gastronomy and crafts. Visitors will be able to explore the Slovenian Market, watch a traditional beef soup cooking competition, or enjoy a children’s programme in the Vista Village.
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