LUV Fest Kicks Off in Ljubljana on the Cultural Holiday

LUV Fest begins on Slovenia's cultural holiday, February 8, when many cultural institutions open their doors for free, and concludes symbolically on March 12, known as "Gregorjevo," Slovenia's traditional holiday of love, which also marks the arrival of spring. Both locals and visitors can enjoy a rich selection of concerts, exhibitions, opera, ballet, and theatre performances, literary events, film screenings, and dance gatherings.

In addition to the well-known Brbotanje (Burbling) installation by artist Matej Bizovičar, which will once again illuminate smaller streets and squares, the open-air art gallery will be enriched by Svetlobni oscilator (Light Oscillator) by Tilen Sepič, an installation extending over the Ljubljanica River at Breg. The street lamps in Zvezda Park on Kongresni Trg Square will be transformed into unique ambient artworks by local primary school students. Birdhouses will adorn Wolfova Ulica Street, while flower hangers in the historic city center will also serve as reminders of LUV Fest.

This year’s LUV Fest will offer even more creative activities. In addition to traditional craft workshops, where visitors can try their hand at artisanal skills, other hands-on experiences include sewing at Anselma, clay crafting at Studio Biskvit, making cutting boards or jewelry at Center Rog, and participating in group embroidery at Galerija Magnolija. Children can explore calligraphy, mask-making, and creating clay birds and gregorčki (small traditional boats). Visitors will also have the chance to explore the Courtyard of Studios in Gornji Trg and meet the artists working there.

Ljubljana can be experienced through love stories, following in the footsteps of literary women, or through the eyes of the LGBTIQ+ community. Many museums and galleries will also offer guided tours focused on love-related themes. In early March, Ana Srčna, a light and experiential installation, will invite visitors on an evening walk through Valvasor Park, where hundreds of fire and light elements in the shape of love symbols will create a magical atmosphere. On the eve of Gregorjevo, Eipprova Street will host the traditional Welcoming of Spring event, a favorite among families with children, where handmade boats with candles are floated down the Gradaščica River.

LUV Fest offers a diverse program for families with children, including creative workshops, theater performances, concerts, storytelling gatherings, and playful guided tours. The festival also features speed dating and dance events for those seeking love and those who have already found it. Ljubljana’s hotels will offer exclusive indulgence packages, restaurants will present love-inspired culinary experiences, including cooking workshops and wine tastings, and local shops will have special offers, such as designer slippers adorned with LUV Fest motifs.

With LUV Fest, Ljubljana Tourism aims to further its strategic efforts to extend the city’s tourism season, enlivening quieter months in terms of visitor numbers. The festival positions Ljubljana as a destination worth visiting in February and March while offering residents a vibrant atmosphere even during the winter months.

The full LUV Fest program is available on Ljubljana Tourism's dedicated website.