Harvest Festival of Charity

The 29th annual Harvest Festival, organized by the Turistično društvo Žirovski vrh, took place over two days, Saturday and Sunday, at Žirovski Vrh, near the village of Sveti Urban. The event featured traditional agricultural practices such as harvesting, threshing, and cleaning grain, alongside cultural and entertainment activities. Attendees were treated to historical attire representing old farming customs, which drew admiration for their authenticity. The festival was marked by a rich program including performances by local groups, theatrical plays, and educational demonstrations. The festival, held under the banner of the traditional “Harvest Celebration,” continued its long-standing tradition of showcasing rural life through hands-on activities. This year’s edition saw enhancements to the program, with more stands dedicated to agricultural machinery and increased participation in folk traditions. Organizers emphasized the importance of preserving these customs while adapting them to modern audiences. The event attracted visitors from beyond the immediate region, including a busload of attendees from the Primorska region, highlighting its growing appeal. Štefan Bogataj, president of the Turistično društvo Žirovski vrh, expressed satisfaction with the success of the festival. He noted that the organization had invested considerable effort into making the event both informative and enjoyable for visitors. The inclusion of new elements, such as additional demonstration sites and expanded educational content, reflected the group's commitment to evolving the festival while honoring its roots. “We strive to provide visitors with the best possible experience,” he stated. The festival also incorporated a charitable component, with organizers deciding to allocate part of the proceeds to support the parents of Matic, a child who has been battling a serious illness. “We believe Matic is now somewhere peaceful, watching over us,” Bogataj said, expressing hope that the gesture would bring comfort to the family. Local authorities, including Mayor Milan Čadež of Gornje Vače, praised the festival’s ability to foster community spirit and educate visitors about regional heritage. Čadež highlighted the importance of maintaining open dialogue among stakeholders, noting that decisions are made collaboratively rather than through formal legal processes. “It takes a lot of energy to prepare this two-day event, but the members of the association always deliver with excellence,” he remarked. The festival’s success was attributed to the dedication of volunteers and the enthusiasm of participants. The addition of new attractions and the continued presence of familiar favorites ensured that the event remained relevant and engaging. The newly constructed Dom nad Zalo, a recent investment by the association, served as a venue for some of the festival’s activities, symbolizing the ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance local culture. Looking ahead, organizers plan to continue refining the festival’s offerings while maintaining its core values. They aim to further expand outreach to visitors from other regions and explore opportunities for greater engagement with younger generations. As the harvest season draws to a close, the festival stands as a testament to the enduring connection between communities and their agricultural heritage.