Ljubljana, Slovenia – Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar marked Prešeren Day, Slovenia’s Cultural Holiday, with a tribute to the nation’s deep-rooted artistic and cultural traditions, emphasizing the importance of culture in shaping Slovenian identity.
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“Prešeren Day demonstrates that Slovenians have been aware of this for a very long time. We proudly recognize that culture is one of the foundations of our national identity and our state, and we are grateful for this,” President Pirc Musar stated in her official message on the occasion of the national holiday.
Honoring Cultural Achievements
At noon, President Pirc Musar and her spouse, Dr. Aleš Musar, will host a special luncheon in honor of this year’s Prešeren Award and Prešeren Fund Award laureates, celebrating outstanding contributions to artistic creation in Slovenia. Earlier in the day, the Guard of Honor will lay a wreath in the President’s name at the monument of France Prešeren, the nation’s greatest poet, whose legacy is commemorated on this day.
Prešeren Day, observed annually on February 8, marks the anniversary of Prešeren’s passing and is one of Slovenia’s most significant cultural holidays. The poet’s literary work, including the Slovenian national anthem, has long been a cornerstone of national heritage.
State Ceremony and Prestigious Awards
On the eve of the holiday, Slovenia hosts a state ceremony where the Prešeren Prizes and Prešeren Fund Prizes—the highest national honors for artistic achievements—are awarded. These prestigious recognitions celebrate individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Slovenian culture and the arts.
The celebrations reflect Slovenia’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations continue to cherish and build upon the artistic and intellectual legacy of France Prešeren and other influential creators.
President Pirc Musar Awarded Italy’s Highest State Honor
In addition to her participation in Prešeren Day celebrations, President Nataša Pirc Musar was honored with Italy’s highest state award, the Knight Grand Cross with Collar for Merits of the Italian Republic, by Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The ceremony took place in Vipolže on Saturday ahead of the ceremonial opening of the European Capital of Culture project Nova Gorica-Gorizia.
The prestigious award underscores the strong diplomatic ties between Slovenia and Italy and recognizes President Pirc Musar’s dedication to fostering European unity, cultural cooperation, and international relations. The Nova Gorica-Gorizia initiative symbolizes cross-border collaboration, reinforcing cultural and historical ties between the neighboring nations.
With this recognition, President Pirc Musar’s leadership continues to gain international acknowledgment, further strengthening Slovenia’s role on the European stage.
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