The end of the week.

The 34th edition of the Aljaž Days will take place from August 28 to 30, marking this year's theme as a tribute to the 80th anniversary of the Gorska Reševalna Služba (Mountain Rescue Service) Mojstrana. The event, which has become a key cultural and historical celebration in the region, includes lectures, concerts, guided hikes, and academic discussions centered around the legacy of the mountain rescue service and its connection to the broader heritage of the area. On Friday, August 28, the program begins with a lecture by Dr. Dragane Božič at 6 p.m. in the Slovenian Mountain Museum in Mojstrana. The topic focuses on Triglav, highlighting two priests, Aljaž and Zemljič, along with photographers Pirc and the couple Lergetporer. The talk will explore their contributions through images and historical insights. Later that evening, at 8 p.m., the square of Olympians in Mojstrana will host a concert by the group Joške v'n, adding a musical dimension to the opening day of the festival. Saturday, August 29, brings a range of activities starting early in the morning. At 10 a.m., a demonstration exercise and presentation of the work of the Gorska Reševalna Služba Mojstrana will take place in the Mlačca canyon. This session aims to showcase the practical aspects of mountain rescue operations and provide insight into the training and equipment used by the team. In the evening, at 8 p.m., a celebratory academic gathering will be held at the Aljaž Educational House in Dovje, focusing on the history and significance of the Gorska Reševalna Služba as part of the jubilee celebrations. Sunday, August 30, concludes the three-day event with a hike to Vrata pod Steno in memory of August Delavec, a local figure associated with the area. Participants will gather at 8 a.m. at the Aljaž House before embarking on the walk. At 3 p.m., a concert by the Chamber Male Choir Davorin Jenko Cerklje will take place in the church of Saint Michael in Dovje. A mass will follow at 4 p.m., providing a spiritual closure to the weekend’s events. The Aljaž Days have grown over the years into a multifaceted celebration that honors both the historical and contemporary roles of the Gorska Reševalna Služba. Each year, the event draws visitors from across Slovenia and beyond, offering them a chance to engage with the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. This year’s focus on the 80th anniversary of the mountain rescue service underscores its enduring importance in the community and highlights the ongoing commitment to safety and preservation in the mountains. The schedule reflects a careful balance between education, commemoration, and recreation. From historical lectures to live performances and physical activities, the event caters to diverse interests while maintaining a thematic coherence centered on the legacy of the Gorska Reševalna Služba. Local organizers have worked closely with historians, musicians, and outdoor experts to ensure that each activity aligns with the overarching goal of honoring the past while engaging the present. Participants can expect a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences throughout the three days. Whether attending a lecture, joining a guided tour, or participating in a hike, attendees will gain deeper insight into the traditions and values that define the region. The inclusion of a memorial hike dedicated to August Delavec further emphasizes the personal stories behind the larger historical narrative being celebrated. As the Aljaž Days approach, preparations continue in Mojstrana and surrounding areas. Venues are being set up, schedules confirmed, and volunteers mobilized to support the various events. The community remains engaged, with many residents looking forward to welcoming guests and sharing the significance of these annual gatherings.