Višarje, a high mountain pass in Slovenia, continues to serve as a unifying symbol for Slovenians, regardless of where they live. On August 2, thousands will gather at the annual Romanje Treh Slovenij, marking the 38th edition of this cherished tradition. Organised by the Rafaelova Družba from Ljubljana and the Union of Slovenian Missionaries Abroad, the event draws participants from all corners of the world, those rooted in their homeland, those living abroad, and those who have migrated. This year’s gathering promises a rich cultural programme, blending faith, heritage, and community spirit. The Romanje, traditionally held on Sundays, begins with a morning ceremony at around 10:30. A keynote speech by Dr. Zvonet Štrublja, an overseas missionary, will explore the legacy of early Slovenian writers, tracing connections from Trubar to Kosovel. The service will include a Mass led by Bishop Dr. Ivan Jurkovič, followed by a cultural programme featuring local artists and performers. Among them will be Deacon Janko Krištof, who will present Kosovel's poetry, and the singing group Sanje from Podjuna on the Koroska, known for its traditional folk music. A quartet of clarinetists, including Slavko Goričar, Milan Pavliha, Janez Mramor, and Matevž Mercin, will also take part, offering a musical tribute to Ljubljana’s veterans. In addition to the main Romanje, the weekend will see related events in the Kanalska Dolina region. On July 31, a special exhibition titled Višarje, sledi nekemu potovanju will open at the Beneška Palace in Naborjet. Visitors can expect a curated display that reflects the journey of the festival and its significance to Slovenian identity. The evening will feature a concert by the church choir from Uké, performing traditional hymns. Later that night, a performance in the Church of the Holy Trinity in Ovčja Vas/Valbrun will mark the start of the Melodije na vasi series, a cycle of concerts celebrating regional music. The second concert in the series will take place on Sunday, August 2, at the same venue, featuring the vocal group Sanje from Suhe/Neuhaus in Podjuna. This year’s Romanje will also welcome participants from the Višarski Dni mladih, a youth initiative that has been exploring life in Trieste, Devin, and Benkovac. These young Slovenians, having engaged in cultural exchanges during the week, will join the festivities, adding a new dimension to the event. Their participation underscores the enduring relevance of Višarje as a space for intergenerational dialogue and shared heritage. The event’s location, nestled in the Julian Alps, offers both physical and symbolic challenges. Many attendees choose to climb the 1,700-metre-high pass via cable car, while others opt for a more arduous trek, hiking up the steep trail in just two hours. The rugged terrain serves as a metaphor for the resilience of Slovenian culture, which, despite centuries of division and migration, remains deeply connected through traditions like the Romanje. Local authorities and organisers have expressed optimism about the turnout, noting that past years have seen record numbers of participants. The festival’s ability to draw such a diverse audience speaks to its role as a cornerstone of Slovenian national identity. Whether one is a long-time resident, a diaspora member, or a visitor, the Romanje offers a chance to reconnect with roots, celebrate shared values, and reaffirm belonging to a broader Slovenian family.
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