Here comes the 19th Punch: "Comedy must be, without laughter it's boring".

The 19th Panč Festival, one of Slovenia’s most anticipated comedy events, kicks off on August 21 and runs through August 25. The festival, held at Ljubljanski grad (Ljubljana Castle), features five evenings of stand-up comedy with performances starting at 8 p.m., a change from previous years when they began at 9 p.m. In case of rain, the shows will take place at the Festival Hall, with updates posted daily on the festival’s Facebook page. This year's lineup includes 28 comedians from ten different countries, with each evening featuring a unique theme. Notable among the performers are seasoned local talents such as Boštjan Gorenc-Pižama, Klemen Bučan, Martina Ipša, Sašo Stare, and Lucija Ćirović, alongside newcomers who aim to entertain the ever-growing and loyal audience. The festival promises a mix of traditional Slovenian humor and international influences, including a fully English-language night showcasing comedians from across Europe and the Americas. While there will be no official “black humor” night this year, organizers have confirmed that comedians known for black humor, such as Eldar, Jure Jamnik, Alen Borišek, and Miha Brajnik, will still perform their usual material. Organizer Andrej Težak, Tešky expressed his excitement over the increasing number of female comedians participating in the festival. He noted that more women than ever are choosing stand-up comedy as a career path, which he sees as a positive shift in the industry. One standout performer is Zala Đurić, a multi-talented actress, singer, DJ, and songwriter. Her involvement came about after she participated in a series of comedy shows hosted by her father, Branko Đurić. After seeing her perform, Tešky encouraged her to try stand-up, leading to her inclusion in the festival lineup. She has already begun working on material with her father, and Tešky is confident she will deliver a compelling performance. Among the highlights of the festival is the Balkan Night, which will feature a blend of traditional and contemporary humor, appealing to both locals and tourists. The English-language night will offer an opportunity for international audiences to experience Slovenian comedy in its native tongue. The festival also aims to elevate the standard of stand-up comedy in Slovenia, with expectations high due to the growing popularity of the genre. In addition to the main comedy nights, the festival offers a range of activities designed to engage all age groups. These include workshops, games, children’s corners, and wellness sessions. There will also be after-parties featuring mechanical music until morning. To ensure accessibility, camping spaces are available near the venue for an additional fee of 4 euros per day. The festival’s ticket prices remain competitive, with a daytime pass priced at 15 euros and a two-day pass at 26 euros. Tickets can be purchased at all Eventim locations. Organizers hope these initiatives will encourage wider participation and make the festival accessible to a broader audience. As preparations continue, the 19th Panč Festival stands ready to bring together comedy lovers from around the world, offering a platform for both established and emerging talents to shine. With its diverse programming and commitment to quality, the festival continues to set new standards in Slovenian comedy culture.