Autumn in the sign of the Great Lady: the festival will be marked by faith, wine and music

A revival of a long-forgotten tradition has taken place at Tajht Place, where the traditional games known as "Igre po lovrenško" have been brought back to life after many years. The event, once a staple of the Jezernik Days, was reintroduced as part of this year's summer activities. Attendees and visitors engaged in various fun and slightly mischievous games, marked by friendly competition, good will, and laughter. The atmosphere was relaxed and communal, offering an opportunity for different generations to come together and reminisce about times when these games were an integral part of local culture. Organizers expressed hope that the games would attract even more people in the future and potentially become a regular feature of the summer calendar, ensuring the tradition continues through generations. The event was well-received by attendees, with organizers and participants expressing their desire for the games to gain wider popularity. They emphasized the importance of preserving traditions and fostering community spirit, which they believe can be achieved through such events. The successful revival of "Igre po lovrenško" has opened up possibilities for its continued presence in the local summer events lineup, allowing it to remain a cherished tradition passed down from one generation to another. In a separate development, the La Pourcailhade or Pig Festival, held annually in Trie-sur-Baïse in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in southern France, has gained international recognition for its unique and bizarre competitions. Originating in the 1970s due to the region's strong pig farming heritage, the festival is best known for its traditional contest involving the imitation of pig sounds. Competitors attempt to mimic the various noises pigs make throughout their lives, such as at birth, during feeding, and even at death, while judges evaluate both costume and overall performance. Noël Jamet, a standout competitor, took the challenge seriously since 2004, visiting pig farms and observing the animals to accurately replicate their sounds. He takes his vocal performances very seriously, even avoiding climate control devices that could harm his vocal cords. At the 43rd edition of the festival, he performed in a pig costume, with his partner Béatrice playing the sow in some of his acts. Jamet has already won the title of champion in pig grunting ten times. “Even the pigs respond to my imitations,” he proudly states. Beyond the pig sound imitation contest, the festival offers other unusual attractions, including races for piglets, contests for eating blood pudding or boudin, throwing a plush pig, weighing sausages, and even a mechanical pig race inspired by rodeo events. Visitors can enjoy local markets featuring regional butchers and producers, along with large portions of pork specialties. Meanwhile, in the central part of the Upper Savinja Valley, the village of Ljubno near Savinja has revived an old wood-carving tradition. Known historically for its woodworking and carpentry, the area has become increasingly popular among tourists and hikers who visit the untouched nature of the Solčavska and Logarska Dolina regions. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the area was renowned for its sawmill industry, providing a vital means of livelihood for the locals. This year’s 66th flosar baptism ceremony, held after a three-year hiatus, attracted over a hundred people. The event featured an ethnographic procession through the village from Foršta to Vrbja, organized by several local societies with support from the municipality. The ceremony included the binding and launching of two flosses, followed by the baptism of a greenwood. Local residents showcased traditional crafts and former rural tasks, impressing both guests and local hospitality workers. Accompanied by folk music, everyone gathered in Vrbja to demonstrate their commitment to the tradition, while young woodworkers and sculptors competed in speed carving under challenging conditions. After the binding of the flosses, guided by mentors Martin Juvan Čuks and Silva Kukovič, the two lighter flosses (called kuzle) were launched into a low river current. The main responsibility fell to Čuks, with safety measures carefully considered. Another floss was managed by the mayor's steward, Franjo Naraločnik, who ensured the continuation of this noble tradition. Following the launch, the young aspiring flossmaker faced a test of skills necessary for entering the profession. After a special ritual, the tribunal confirmed that Lan Remic was healthy and capable of undertaking the demanding work. The flossmaking guild decided to perform a blessing, with the greenwood's master, entrepreneur Janez Govek, officiating the baptism. Cold water was poured over Lan's head through a sieve, a shocking yet joyful moment in the heat. As a new flossmaker, Lan was instructed to drink a liter of red wine and take an oath. Saint Michael blessed the new flossmaker, while Govek handed him provisions wrapped in a canvas bag for his journey to Roglce in Croatia, much like in days past. Čuks and the president of the love flossmakers' society, Dr. David Pečnik, proudly led the procession to the tune of the love flossmakers' anthem, concluding the baptism. The festival was joyfully closed by members of the ensemble Fantje from all winds.