A new summer chapter has begun at the Oldest Vineyard.

A new summer chapter has begun at the oldest square in Maribor, as the city's vibrant cultural scene continues to flourish beyond the main festival season. While the central part of the Lent Festival has concluded, the summer activities at the historic square have not ended. The "Summer at the Oldest Square" initiative will run until September 5th, bringing together local winemakers, musical performances, and traditional cuisine on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This ongoing series aims to maintain the lively atmosphere at the square even after the main festival has wrapped up. The program started this week with its first events, beginning on Thursday, July 9th. That evening was dedicated to the drops of the Oldest Square, with DJ Urbadur taking charge of the music. On Friday, July 10th, the focus shifted to wine producers, with Vina Herga presenting their offerings and Nejc Miklošič duo performing. Saturday, July 11th, continued the tradition with wines from the Oldest Square and a musical performance by Kristina and Tilen. All events begin at 8 p.m., and entry is free. In case of rain, the events will be canceled. Each weekend will bring new programs featuring local winemakers and musicians, alongside a significant portion of the evenings dedicated to local culinary offerings. The food aspect of the events will be handled by "Tastes at the Oldest Square" and "Štajer Bites," a collaborative project between students of the Higher Vocational School for Hospitality and Tourism in Maribor and students of the Secondary School for Hospitality and Tourism in Maribor. These groups have already become a notable attraction during the Wine Lent Festival, offering recognizable sandwiches and other local delicacies that encourage visitors to stay longer than initially planned. The "Summer at the Oldest Square" initiative opens a standalone summer chapter, providing residents and visitors of Maribor with a reason to visit the Lent area until the start of September. The program will take place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting at 8 p.m., with free admission. Events will be canceled in case of rain. Health Minister Alenka Bratušek has issued a warning about the potential health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, emphasizing the importance of responsible drinking during such social gatherings. This caution comes amid the ongoing celebrations and highlights the need for balance between enjoyment and health awareness among attendees.