We celebrate the day of the reunification of the Transmurs Slovenes with the mother nation

On August 16, 2026, the town of Velika Polana in Slovenia hosted a vibrant celebration marking the anniversary of the annexation of Prekmurje and the unification of Prekmurian Slovenes with their ancestral nation. The event took place on the eve of the national holiday commemorating these historical milestones, drawing large crowds and featuring high-profile political figures and cultural performances. The main ceremony was organized by the Municipality of Velika Polana and held at the Poljana event center. It featured speeches by key government officials, including Jernej Vrtovec, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Energy. Vrtovec delivered the keynote address during the tree-planting ceremony, which symbolized renewal and continuity. The event attracted participation from several high-ranking officials, including Zoran Stevanović, President of the National Council, and Marko Lotrič, President of the National Council of State. Multiple ministers and state secretaries were also present, underscoring the significance of the occasion. The municipality aimed to broaden the scope of the celebration beyond formal protocol, according to Mayor Damjan Jaklin. He emphasized the importance of preserving the Prekmurian dialect and passing it on to younger generations as a vital part of local identity. Cultural programs included performances by members of the Slovenian Armed Forces Orchestra, local music groups, and youth from Velika Polana. Traditional food, such as the regional dish bučna repa (roasted beetroot), was available free of charge, alongside folk dances and other community activities. In the afternoon, visitors had the opportunity to view presentations by local communities and organizations from the wider region. A special evening service was held in the Velika Polana Church, offering a moment of reflection and connection to heritage. Throughout the day, the atmosphere remained lively, with continuous entertainment and social interaction among attendees. Similar celebrations took place earlier in the week in Beltinci, where the ceremonial proceedings were held in the park of the local castle. The speech at this event was delivered by Katja Koren, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Labour, and Sport. These events marked the historical significance of August 17, a date associated with the aftermath of World War I. On this day in 1919, Yugoslav troops occupied the Prekmurje region, leading to its incorporation into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. This ended over a century of Hungarian rule and reunited the Prekmurian Slovenes with their ancestral homeland. The annual commemoration of the annexation of Prekmurje and the unification of Prekmurian Slovenes with their native nation has been observed since 2006 as a national holiday, though it does not grant a public holiday. Since 2009, the state has taken responsibility for organizing these celebrations every five years. The last such event was held in Beltinci in 2024. This year, two members of the National Council proposed that the government should give greater emphasis to the annual celebrations of both the annexation of Prekmurje and the annexation of Istria, celebrated on September 15. Their proposal reflects growing interest in reinforcing the cultural and historical ties that define Slovenia’s diverse regions.