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February 17, 2010
Carnival Festivities Kick Off in Ptuj
Ptuj - Carnival festivities will get under way on Saturday in the northeastern town of Ptuj, home to Slovenia's biggest carnival, famous for its distinctive figures - the kurenti. The 50th festival will culminate in an international carnival procession on Sunday, 14 February. The "Kurentovanje 2010" festival will start with the Carnival Prince taking over from the mayor for the duration of the festivities. The organisers expect a total of 250,000 people to visit the jubilee event. About 70,000 visitors from Slovenia and abroad are expected to gather to see next Sunday's carnival procession. The procession will feature 2,000 performers, numerous dance and carnival groups from Slovenia and abroad, bands of kurenti and masked groups of students from local schools and workers from local companies. In the evening, revelling will continue daily in a special carnival hall, which has been enlarged and can hold up to 3,000 people. The festivities will conclude with the burial of "pust" or the Shrovetide man in front of the town hall on Shrovetide Tuesday, 16 February. Kurentovanje is the biggest carnival festivity in Slovenia and is among the most important traditional events in the country and in Central Europe. The kurent is probably the most distinctive among some 150 traditional costumes preserved in Slovenia. The costume consists of sheep skins, girded with leather belts or chains that hold huge cow bells and handkerchiefs. It weighs around 40 kg and can costs several thousand euros. Apart from the Ptuj carnival, almost every Slovenian city and town hosts Shrovetide festivities. Among the most prominent ones is also the event in the southwestern town of Cerknica, which will be held between 11 and 16 February. Carnivals featuring traditional costumes will also be held in Cerkno, western Slovenia. The town will be overwhelmed by "laufarji", whose particularity are wooden masks made from a soft carving lime tree. According to the tradition, "laufarji" will condemn "pust" - a mythological impersonation of the carnival spirit - and drag him out of the town to burn him.
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European Route of Roma Culture Launched in SloveniaThe European Route of Roma Culture and Heritage, a two-day Council of Europe-sponsored event designed to fight prejudice about the Roma, was launched in Lendava on Wednesday as part of Slovenia's CoE chairmanship. On Thursday, the event featured the laying of the foundation stone for a Roma cultural centre in Kamenci. Obama's Digital Strategist at Portorož ConferenceBulgarian expats in Slovenia constitute the second largest immigrant group in the country as of 2009, according to the Slovenian national statistics institute, cited by Slovenian and Bulgarian media on October 6 2009. The largest group, exceeding 13 000, is comprised of immigrants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Bulgarians, Italians and Germans are in second, third and fourth place respectively, the report says. The foreign influx into the country increased dramatically following the country's European Union accession in 2004. Of the 30 693 people who entered the country since, only 2631 were returning Slovenian expats who resided in foreign lands. Finally, the report says that for the ninth year running, the vast majority of Slovenians who in turn decide to immigrate opt for another EU country and most choose Germany. October 7, 2009
Official report: Bulgarians are the second largest community in SloveniaBulgarian expats in Slovenia constitute the second largest immigrant group in the country as of 2009, according to the Slovenian national statistics institute, cited by Slovenian and Bulgarian media on October 6 2009. September 30, 2009
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UNESCO Protection for Idrija misses by 1 voteThe decision on whether the town of Idrija, with its 500-year-old mercury mine and preserved cultural heritage, is to be included on the World Heritage List has been deferred for a year. This decision was taken at the session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Seville (Spain) at the end of June.With this year's candidature falling just one vote short of the number required for inclusion on the prestigious list, it was decided that Idrija in Slovenia may re-submit its candidature next year with appropriate modifications. July 24, 2009
Gornjansko, Home to Slovenian Organic WineBranko Cotar has been the master of his own organic winery, hidden in Gorjansko, Slovenia a Karst region near Italian border since 1974 Cotar owns seven hectare ofcertified organic land, averaging 30 centimeters of soil on top of the limestone. July 21, 2009
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Traditional Meeting of Slovenian ExpatriatesAbout 300 Slovenian expatriates gathered for their 16th jamboree in Smarjeske Toplice on Saturday. Minister for Slovenians Abroad Bostjan Zeks said on the occasion that the purpose of such meetings was that Slovenians living abroad see first hand what was going on in their homeland. The Ljubljana Summer Festival OpeningThe Ljubljana Summer Festival, bringing some 2,500 performers from 20 countries to Slovenia’s capital, opened on Monday evening with a ballet performance by the Milan-based La Scala featuring the music of the legendary band Pink Floyd. Number of Births in 2008 Highest in Slovenia’s HistorySlovenia has seen a record number of births in its history in 2008, according to data released by the Statistics Office. For the first time since 1991, when the country gained independence, the number of newborns topped 21,000. July 10, 2009
Ines A. Murzaku, Ph.D. wins Fulbright Senior Specialist GrantInes Angeli Murzaku, Ph.D., associate professor of Religious Studies and the University Honors Program, wins a prestigious J. William Fulbright Senior Specialist grant at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, Sociology Department.She will be in Slovenia in November 2009. July 2, 2009
The Farewell Chapel by OFIS ArchitectsThe Slovenian OFIS Architects have completed the Farewell Chapel in a village close to Ljubljana. June 8, 2009
Honorary Consul Dr. Chan Visits SloveniaMay, 2009 – Slovenian Honorary Consul in Florida, Dr. Gregory Chan, visited Slovenia with his wife, Mrs. Sandra Chan, and his assistant, Aleksandra Zupan. Dr. Chan met with Ambassador Basej at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as with Mrs. Tadel from the Ministry of Culture. The main topic of discussions was the potential for promotion of Slovenia in Florida, focused on the areas of tourism, culture, and trade. Financial Incentives for Foreign Investors in SloveniaForeign companies making direct investments in Slovenia can apply for government financial grants. Grants are available for investments in manufacturing, R&D and strategic services such as customer contact centers, shared services centers, logistics and distribution hubs and regional headquarters. June 2, 2009
Slovenia Among 10 Most Peaceful Countries in the WorldLondon/Washington, 2 June (STA) - Slovenia ranks among the top ten countries on the Global Peace Index, issued for the third time by the group Vision of Humanity. Slovenia shares the ninth spot with Finland, rising 7 places from last year’s list. UPS Acquires Delivery Firm in SloveniaBRUSSELS and LJUBLJANA, June 2, 2009 - UPS on Tuesday announced it had acquired a unit of Intereuropa Globalni Logistični Servis that has been acting as its agent for small package delivery in Slovenia since 1991. May 28, 2009
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Vodafone Scraps Roaming Charges For SummerCould this be one of the most significant announcements to hit mobile phone networks in a very long time? Out of the blue Vodafone has announced it will be abolishing international roaming charges for both pre-pay and pay monthly customers during a three month evaluation period this summer. May 11, 2009
American Performer Delivers Splendid PerformanceOn April 23, the Gala Ballet Evening celebrated the International Day of Dance with the presentation of several awards from DBUS for artistic achievement. Chargé d’Affaires Brad Freden and other Embassy staff attended the evening, along with President Danilo Türk and his wife, Barbara Miklič Türk. May 9, 2009
Ljubljana Remembers WWII LiberationThousands of Ljubljanians took part in a 35km hike around Ljubljana on Saturday in memory of the liberation of the capital 64 years ago. The annual hike follows the track of the barbed wire which enclosed the city during World War II. May 5, 2009
Oldest Seahorses Found; Help Solve MysteryThe oldest seahorse fossils discovered to date have been uncovered in Slovenia, including this two-inch-long (five-centimeter-long) adult female Hippocampus sarmaticus fossil (left, and in an artist's reconstruction, right). May 1, 2009
Slovenia Celebrates Five Years of EU MembershipSlovenia celebrates on Friday the fifth anniversary of its EU accession. The country joined the block along with nine other countries in what was the biggest enlargement so far. During this time, Slovenia has introduced the euro, entered the Schengen zone and chaired the European Council. Slovenia Sharpens Academic ProwessEducation Week, April 21, Slovenian education has gained international recognition by strong ranking on international tests, such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science studies (TIMSS) or the program for International Student Assesment (PISA), reports Education Week. EU Open House: Celebration of Europe DayOn May 9, 2009, diplomatic representations of EU Member States in the United States will celebrate Europe Day. Europe Day celebrates the first move towards the creation of what is now known as the European Union. It was on May 9, 1950, when the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presented the Declaration for “the first concrete foundation of a European federation”. April 26, 2009
Bear Returns to Ljubljana, Must Be KilledThe bear that partied on the streets of Ljubljana last week has returned, so for public safety, killing it has been authorized. April 24, 2009
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia NewsletterThe bear that partied on the streets of Ljubljana last week has returned, so for public safety, killing it has been authorized. April 21, 2009
WWII-era mass grave found in SloveniaA mass grave in Slovenia believed to hold up to 300 victims killed after World War II by the former communist regime has been discovered in the country's east. April 20, 2009
European Parliament Elections to Take PlaceThe Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia announces that on Sunday, June 7, 2009, European Parliament elections will take place. Slovenian citizens with permanent address registered in the Republic of Slovenia, and who wish to vote at the below listed locations or by mail, are required to file a registration form which is available at the Web site of the National Election Committee at www.dvk.gov.si. The forms should be sent directly to the National Election Commission no later than May 8, 2009. April 19, 2009
Director General Andrej Benedejčič to Visit Washington, D.C.Visit of Andrej Benedejčič, Director - General, Directorate for Policy Planning and Multilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be the first visit by a high ranking member of the Slovenian government to the United States since the new US administration took office in January 2009. April 14, 2009
Türk: Obama's Prague Speech to Have Long-Term Effect on SecurityPresident Danilo Türk on Tuesday delivered in Ljubljana a speech on global security and cooperation, suggesting that US President Barack Obama’s push for ridding the world of nuclear weapons will have "a long-term effect on our security situation". March 29, 2009
Commission for Slovenians AbroadOn October 15, 2008 the National Assembly of the Government of Slovenia established the Commission for Relations with Slovenes in Neighboring and Other Countries. The Commission is responsible for monitoring the state of affairs of autonomous Slovenian minorities living in neighboring and other countries. Their mission is to inform the National Assembly of general and specific issues encountered by Slovenians living in neighboring and other countries and to promote the elimination of problems encountered by those Slovenians. March 25, 2009
Slovenian Embassy Hosts European Institute’s Transatlantic RoundtableWashignton DC, March 25 – On Wednesday, the Embassy of Slovenia hosted the European Institute’s Transatlantic Roundtable on Finance and Trade entitled “How to Approach Trade Relations in View of the Financial Crisis: The EU-U.S.- China Triangle”. March 23, 2009
The Call for the Application to the Art Colony 2009Art colony for the Slovenians abroad and all over the world - 2009. The Association Slovenska izseljenska matica is organizing a traditional art colony for all academic or amateurish painters who are Slovenians by birth but they live abroad or in a foreign country. March 16, 2009
Foreign Ministry to Enhance Economic DiplomacyForeign Minister Samuel Žbogar participated at a business conference organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS), the Economy Ministry and the Foreign Ministry. Križanič Expects Upturn in a Few MonthsFinance Minister France Križanič forecasted on Monday that Slovenia would officially slip into recession this quarter, while he expects the economy to turn up again in a few months. March 6, 2009
Americans Discuss Studying in the United StatesAmericans Discuss Studying in the United StatesDid you ever ask yourself what studying in the US would be like? Do you wonder how much it costs to study and where and how can you enter the American universities? Aaron Luster from the US Embassy and US Fulbright student John Zablocki answered these and many other questions to an audience of 40 in Skofja Loka. U.S. Embassy in SloveniaThe U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana conducts diplomatic relations with the Republic of Slovenia and coordinates the activities of all U.S. Government personnel serving in Slovenia... March 1, 2009
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Lake Bled In Slovenia: Nominated As One Of World's Seven New Wonders Of NatureLake Bled is among 261 nominees from 222 countries vying for recognition as one of the seven new natural wonders of the world, and one of the 13 European lakes that have earned the privilege of participating in this competition. Whether Lake Bled made it to finals will be announced in July of this year. ITF Celebrating 10th Birthday, Devising New PlansLjubljana, 19 February (STA) - The Slovenia-led International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF) marked its tenth anniversary on Thursday, taking the opportunity to unveil its plans for the future. According to a press release by the fund, the presence of anti-personnel mines and explosives in SE Europe is decreasing, which is why the ITF plans to adapt its activities. A new strategy for 2009-2013 has been drawn up for this purpose. NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Greets People of LešeSunita Williams, NASA astronaut of Slovenian origins, was asked by a mayor of a small municipality in Slovenia, Leše pri Tržiču, to write a short letter to the town, acknowledging her Slovenian and Leše’s roots. The letter was to be included in a town’s year book, published on the National Day of Culture on February 8. Commission for Relations with Slovenes in Neighboring and Other CountriesThe Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia explains the dutoes and roles of the Commission for Relations with Slovenes in Neighboring and Other Countries. February 16, 2009
Humpback whale seen close to Slovenian coast: reportLJUBLJANA (AFP) — An adult humpback whale measuring between 10 and 12 metres (33 and 39 feet) in length has been spotted near Slovenia's Adriatic coast, a Slovenian Internet news site reported Monday. "It is a humpback whale, a species that rarely enters the Adriatic Sea and has only been spotted six or seven times in the Mediterranean," Slovenian marine mammal researcher Tilen Genov told the news website 24ur. February 15, 2009
Interview Series: Mrs. Barbara K. Nelson Honorary ConsulMrs. Barbara Koval Nelson is Slovenian Honorary Consul for the Midwest, living in Kansas City. She grew up in Pennsylvania in a family, where Slovenian heritage was cherished and Slovenian tradition past onto younger generations. She has been always enthusiastic about Slovenia and has showed her enthusiasm in recent years through a very successful promotion of Slovenian culture within the US. February 6, 2009
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Maribor Doctors Win American Heart Association AwardResearchers at the Adolf Drolc Centre for Emergency Medicine in Maribor have received a prestigious award from the American Heart Association for their contribution in the field of resuscitation and emergency care. The team headed by Stefek Grmec was awarded in November 2008 for its research on how the drug erythropoietin facilitates the return of spontaneous circulation in patients suffering from cardiac arrest. January 25, 2009
Medical Humanitarian Expedition into the Amazon JungleIn 2007 Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik, MD, PhD, and Dr. Rifat Latifi, MD, FACS, the Directors of the Amazon Virtual Medical Team, accompanied the marathon swimmer Martin Strel with telemedicine during the 66- day humanitarian expedition in which Mr. Strel swam 3,274 miles of the Amazon from Atalaya, Peru, to the Atlantic Ocean at Belem, Brazil. Not only did Strel accomplish this seemingly impossible task, but a number of medical achievements were made during the medical humanitarian expedition in the course of this journey. Mechanisms of ExocytosisExocytosis, a universal process of eukaryotic cells consisting of the fusion between the vesicle and the plasma membrane, is an important topic in cell biology, physiology, biophysics, biochemistry, and many other disciplines. The understanding of this rather complex process is essential for the understanding of the normal function of unicellular and multicellular organisms in both animal and plant kingdoms as well as in pathological conditions. The last three decades have shown a rapid increase in publication of research papers addressing this exocytosis, and currently about 800 exocytosis papers are published every year. January 16, 2009
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Ancient vine nursed back to lifeIn late September, Tone Zafosnik, at 81 years of age and an otherwise-retired vintner, collected his basket and began harvesting the grapes of his favourite vine. Nothing unusual, one might think, except that the crowd in attendance - about 500 people, including the press, gathered just a stone's throw from the river Drava, in Maribor, Slovenia's second city - indicated that this was no ordinary grape harvest from no ordinary vine. |
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