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Phasing back into the streets, the smell of chemicals on the roof: Where are the cops?
Slovenia🎓 EducationCenter9/3/2026

Phasing back into the streets, the smell of chemicals on the roof: Where are the cops?

At the start of the new school year, older students in Slovenia marked their younger peers with colorful markers and sprays in a tradition known as 'fazeniranje' (initiation). This occurred notably in Čopova Street in Ljubljana, where first-year high school students were painted with alcohol-based markers and colored sprays on their clothes, hair, hands, and other body parts. The event caused chaos, with bystanders being targeted by the spraying. One witness described the street as smelling strongly of chemicals, with dirty pavements and scattered empty cans. A local resident expressed shock at the intensity of the initiation, noting that it had surpassed previous boundaries. Meanwhile, in Maribor, the traditional ritual spiraled out of control, leading to incidents involving eggs, flour, metal paint sprays, and requiring police intervention. One student reportedly lost consciousness and needed medical attention.

On September 1, 2026, students marked the start of the school year with a traditional initiation known as fazaniranje in central Ljubljana. The event turned chaotic, leaving behind paint splatters, eggshells, and spilled flour on streets such as Čopova and around Prešernov trg. Municipal services began cleaning the area early the following day, estimating the cost at approximately €14,000 including VAT. The celebration, meant to symbolize the transition into high school for new students, quickly escalated beyond control. Students used alcohol-based markers, spray paints, and other substances to mark their peers. Some were covered in paint, while others had their clothes stained with flour and eggs. The scene was particularly intense on Čopova street, which resembled more of a battleground than a city center. Cleaning efforts focused primarily on Čopova, Prešernov trg, parts of Slovenska cesta, Tromostovje, and Ribja brv. Initial cleaning included pressure washing and manual scrubbing. Specialized contractors will later remove graffiti. Despite these efforts, traces of the event remained visible on sidewalks, building facades, and shop windows. A bookseller on Čopova described the situation as overwhelming. “It really was wild,” she said. “If we had known earlier, we might have protected our display with paper. But it was too late. Boys walked around spraying metal sprays. Everything smelled, and there was black and red paint everywhere.” Residents expressed shock at the extent of the chaos. One woman from Štajerka noted that the event had crossed all boundaries. “In the past, this initiation was more of a prank than anything else. Today, however, it has gone beyond limits.” She observed young men waiting in groups, some of whom targeted passers-by who tried to avoid the paint sprays. Local police were reportedly patrolling the area, though one journalist spotted two officers riding horses before the event. Similar scenes unfolded in Maribor, where the tradition also spiraled out of control. According to reports, eggs and flour flew through the air, and even metal spray paints were used. In one incident, a student reportedly lost consciousness and required medical attention. Health professionals noted that while the incidents were largely attributed to dehydration and exhaustion, they emphasized the potential risks associated with the substances used during the initiation. At least two girls sought medical help after participating in the event in Ljubljana. Educational institutions have been aware of such practices for years. A recent study involving 118 secondary schools found that marking bodies of new students was widespread. Nearly two-thirds of participating schools confirmed the practice. Various materials, including alcohol-based markers, sprays, chemical pencils, and makeup, were used. Health experts warned of skin damage risks. While some view the initiation as a harmless tradition, others consider it degrading and humiliating. A principal from a vocational school in Prekmurje believes that any form of initiation for new students represents a type of intergroup discrimination.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

5 reports

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 859/2/2026
The day after the phasing in the center of Ljubljana: 14 thousand deducted for cleaning

The article reports on the aftermath of a chaotic 'fazaniranje' (a traditional initiation ceremony for new high school students) that took place on the first day of school in Ljubljana. The event turned into an uncontrolled celebration involving colored paint and egg throwing, leaving behind mess, damaged displays, and colorful stains across central parts of the city, particularly on Čopova Street and Prešern Square. Municipal services began cleaning up from early morning, using specialized teams to remove graffiti and clean surfaces. The estimated cost of the cleanup and repairs is around 14,000 euros including VAT. Local shopkeepers and residents expressed shock at the scale of the disruption, noting that the behavior of young people has become more extreme compared to previous years.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a local community event without overt ideological slant. It describes the event, its impact, and the municipal response in a balanced manner, focusing on the practical implications rather than taking a political stance. While the event involves youth culture

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes the cleanup efforts by municipal services after the event in Ljubljana, including the locations affected (Čopova Street, Prešeren Square) and the types of damage (paint stains, broken eggs). The information matches the broader narrative presented in other articles ab

Why objectivity (85): The article remains largely objective, focusing on the aftermath and reactions from local businesses and officials. While there is a slight emphasis on the chaos caused by the event, it does not take an overtly critical or supportive stance, maintaining a balanced reporting style.

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 809/1/2026
For one day F: egg yolks, flour, flakes and sprays

On the first day of secondary school in Ljubljana, Slovenia, students celebrated by participating in a traditional 'fazaniranje' ritual. This involves marking each other with paint, ink, or flour, often leaving colorful trails across the city center. The event took place around midday on September 1, 2026, with students gathering in areas like Čopova Street and near Prešeren Square. Many wore clothing with the letter 'F,' used markers, and engaged in playful interactions. The tradition has become a notable cultural event for first-year students, symbolizing their transition into secondary education.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a cultural tradition related to the start of secondary school, with no mention of politics, policy, or controversy. It describes the event neutrally, focusing on student behavior and rituals without taking a stance or showing bias.

Why factuality (80): The article gives a detailed account of the event in Ljubljana, describing the actions of students, the presence of paint, eggs, and markers, and the impact on the city center. This aligns with the overall consensus seen in other reports. Some minor details may lack specificity, but the core facts m

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the event in a descriptive manner, highlighting both the celebratory aspects and the resulting mess. It avoids strong editorializing but includes quotes from individuals involved, which adds a personal touch while still maintaining a generally neutral tone.

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒CenterFactual 75Objective 659/1/2026
Phasing back into the streets, the smell of chemicals on the roof: Where are the cops?

At the start of the new school year, older students in Slovenia marked their younger peers with colorful markers and sprays in a tradition known as 'fazeniranje' (initiation). This occurred notably in Čopova Street in Ljubljana, where first-year high school students were painted with alcohol-based markers and colored sprays on their clothes, hair, hands, and other body parts. The event caused chaos, with bystanders being targeted by the spraying. One witness described the street as smelling strongly of chemicals, with dirty pavements and scattered empty cans. A local resident expressed shock at the intensity of the initiation, noting that it had surpassed previous boundaries. Meanwhile, in Maribor, the traditional ritual spiraled out of control, leading to incidents involving eggs, flour, metal paint sprays, and requiring police intervention. One student reportedly lost consciousness and needed medical attention.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a cultural educational tradition ('fazeniranje') without taking a stance on its merits or demerits. It presents the event objectively, describing both the actions of the students and the reactions of witnesses and residents. There is no evident ideological framing or biased ph

Why factuality (75): The article reports on 'fazaniranje' as a traditional school initiation ritual where older students mark younger ones with paint and spray. It describes the event in Ljubljani's Čopova street, mentions the smell of chemicals, and quotes a local resident expressing concern over the intensity of the t

Why objectivity (65): The tone is somewhat critical, suggesting that the tradition has become more extreme than before. The article uses emotive language like 'smrdi po kemikalijah' (smells of chemicals) and includes a quote from a concerned citizen, which leans toward a negative perspective. This suggests some bias rath

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 70Objective 509/3/2026
Baptism of primary school children as a symbol of submission and humiliation

The article discusses the practice of 'krst' (baptism) for first-year students at some Slovenian secondary schools, which has sparked controversy. In Ljubljana and Maribor, some schools have organized welcoming ceremonies for new students, but these have been criticized by some as mocking or degrading. Some view the practice as a form of mockery or humiliation, while others argue it is a traditional way to make the day memorable. A school administrator in Prekmurje believes such rituals are part of interclass relations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives, some find the practice humorous or inappropriate, while others see it as a meaningful tradition. There is no clear ideological leaning toward either left or right, and the tone remains balanced between the two viewpoints. The focus is on social norms and school

Why factuality (70): This article discusses the 'krst' (baptism) ritual for new students, describing it as symbolic of subjugation and humiliation. It cites examples from Ljubljana and Maribor, referencing a school administrator who views the practice as part of interclass relations. While the content reflects common na

Why objectivity (50): The article presents a clear ideological stance, suggesting that the 'krst' is both humorous and offensive. It uses emotionally charged language like 'strupenim sprejem' and implies moral judgment without offering counterarguments. This creates a one-sided narrative that prioritizes certain viewpoin

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 65Objective 459/3/2026
Two girls were treated at the Paediatric Clinic in Ljubljana after phasage

The article discusses the phenomenon of 'fazaniranje' (a form of body painting) among first-year students at secondary schools in Slovenia, particularly highlighting incidents in Maribur where one female student lost consciousness after participating in the activity. It mentions that this practice is widespread, with nearly two-thirds of participating schools confirming its occurrence. Students use various substances, including alcohol-based markers and other materials, which pose risks to skin health. The article notes that some students sought medical assistance afterward.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a cultural event related to school initiation rituals, which is considered a non-political topic. There is no indication of political bias or framing in the narrative.

Why factuality (65): The article reports on events at the University Children's Hospital in Ljubljana where two girls were treated after fainting during a 'fazaniranje' (a traditional initiation ritual). It mentions the involvement of UKC Ljubljana and refers to a study by NIJZ involving 118 secondary schools regarding

Why objectivity (45): The tone is somewhat biased, presenting the 'fazaniranje' as both a cultural tradition and a potentially harmful practice. The article frames the issue in a way that suggests controversy without providing balanced perspectives from multiple sides. Emotional language is used to describe the events, s

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