The Festival of Love, Art and Rambling
The second edition of Ljubljana’s LUV Fest, a festival of love, art and rambling, took place from 8 February, when the greatest Slovenian poet France Prešeren is commemorated, through to 12 March.
Under the common theme of love, the fest connects a rich cultural program, from concerts, theatre, opera and ballet performances, literary events, and film screenings to performances and dancing events. It also offers numerous guided tours around the city and exhibitions, as well as experiences and workshops for all generations. Locals and visitors will be able to enjoy the city’s decorations and outdoor light art installations throughout the month. Ljubljana’s hoteliers, restaurateurs and merchants are also preparing a special offer for visitors.
LUV fest started on the holiday of Slovenian culture, 8 February, when museums, galleries and other cultural institutions opened their doors free of charge. Until 12 March, the festival will offer more than 130 different cultural events. Tourists and curious onlookers alike can look forward to admiring works of art on the streets of Ljubljana.
It will be possible to take part in special guided tours of Ljubljana and get to know it through Ljubljana stories about love or through the eyes of young people from the LGBTIQ+ community. Various museums and galleries in Ljubljana are preparing guided tours of exhibitions on the theme of love. The beginning of March will be marked by the Ana Srčna festival, which will invite visitors to an evening walk through a light-experiential ambience with hundreds of fire and light elements on Špica.
Adults will also be able to test their skills at creative handicraft workshops. Those seeking love may find themselves attending speed dating. Ljubljana hotels are preparing exclusive pampering packages, restaurateurs devising culinary delights inspired by love, and retailers polishing their products.
Petra Stušek, Director of Ljubljana Tourism
“LUV Fest is a platform that connects quality cultural events of various forms and genres, themed tours around the city, outdoor art, interactive workshops and experiences for all generations under the theme of love. In addition, the festival connects hoteliers, service providers and culinary institutions across the city. The expansive offer allows us to invite visitors to Ljubljana, where they can attend a variety of events, even at a time when we otherwise record lower occupancy levels. The message of the festival is also alluring, as it highlights events exuding love, especially for our culture, language, art and heritage, but also for fellow human beings, community, friendship, family and, last but not least, ourselves,” explains Petra Stušek, Director of Ljubljana Tourism.
With the LUV Fest, Ljubljana Tourism will contribute to making Ljubljana a year-round destination as much as possible. The festival primarily enlivens the months when the city is less busy. The goal of the festival is to position Ljubljana as a destination worth visiting in February and March.
After last year’s premier LUV fest, Ljubljana Tourism asked citizens for their opinions in a survey, and their suggestions were taken into account. They want the locals to take the festival as their own, co-create it and live with it in the future. Satisfied locals are the best ambassadors of both the festival and Ljubljana.
Learn more about LUV Fest at: https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/plan-your-visit/luv-fest.
