VIDEO: When the harvest is not just a display, but a story of people: Polishman has been preserving a priceless heritage for 63 years

The cancellation of this year's Lučke festival on Lake Bled has left many visitors disappointed, though officials emphasized safety was their top priority. The annual event, which has been held for over five decades, was called off due to poor weather forecasts and concerns about the well-being of participants. Andrej Vidic, who has crafted the candles used in the tradition for 54 years, expressed his sadness over the decision, noting that he had prepared approximately ten thousand candles for the occasion. He voiced concern that the tradition might fade away if the event continues to be canceled due to bad weather. According to representatives from Turizem Bled, the decision was difficult but necessary given the circumstances. They explained that the event involves extensive coordination with multiple services, performers, and volunteers, making rescheduling complex. Additionally, they noted that the festival is traditionally tied to a specific time of the week during the summer season, which many visitors plan their trips around. The decision to cancel the event came after weather conditions deteriorated significantly on the day of the planned festival. By around 8 PM, rain began falling, followed by a thunderstorm that lasted until approximately 11 PM. Turizem Bled stated that ensuring the safety of all attendees, including volunteers and staff, was their primary concern. Despite the cancellation of the main event, some elements of the musical program were still carried out. However, the symbolic candles placed inside eggshells, which represent the festival, will be saved for next year’s event. Andrej Vidic, who has been crafting the candles since 1972, has continued the tradition started by his father, who was a maintenance worker at Hotel Park Bled. This year, he created nearly ten thousand candles, assisted by his 16-year-old grandson, whom he hopes to gradually involve in preserving the tradition. The process of creating the candles is lengthy and requires meticulous handwork. Eggshells, obtained from the company Conditus, are collected weekly starting in April. After drying them in the sun for one or two days, Vidic fills them with melted paraffin and inserts a wick. On the day of the festival, he would light the candles, but this year, the event did not take place as scheduled. The Lučke festival has become a significant cultural event on Lake Bled, drawing both local and international visitors. Many hotels have special arrangements related to the festival, and visitors often plan their trips around this event. The organizers stressed that rescheduling such a large-scale event would require substantial logistical changes involving performers, volunteers, service providers, and the accompanying program. While parts of the music program proceeded, the core event itself was not held. In contrast to the cancellation on Lake Bled, the 63rd edition of the Harvest Festival on Polenšak took place successfully, showcasing traditional agricultural practices and cultural heritage. The festival, which has been held annually for over six decades, attracted numerous visitors who witnessed the entire process of wheat harvesting, from plowing fields to baking bread. Organized by the Tourism Association of Polenšak, the event featured demonstrations of historical farming techniques, folk performances, and interactive activities for children. Approximately 150 members of the association and volunteers contributed to the successful execution of the festival. The festival extended beyond a single day, beginning with an international gathering of historians and enthusiasts on Saturday. Activities included panoramic tours, displays of old farming equipment, and exhibitions of traditional bread-making and pastries. Visitors could also sample traditional Polenšak pastries, known for their unique flavor and texture. The event highlighted the importance of intergenerational collaboration, with younger generations participating alongside elders to learn about traditional customs and the significance of respecting land, labor, and food. The Harvest Festival on Polenšak has grown into more than just a local event; it symbolizes respect for Slovenian rural life, volunteerism, and the belief that cultural heritage can be preserved through continuous demonstration and transmission. As a result, Polenšak remains a place where the past comes alive, not in museum cases, but on the fields, among people, and filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread.