The 53rd Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage: Kamnik Remains the Capital of Slovenian Ethnological Heritage

The organisers have already selected the new faces of this year’s Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage, who will be officially revealed to the public in the coming weeks.

Kamnik will once again host one of Slovenia’s most important cultural heritage events. From 11 to 13 September 2026, the 53rd Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage will take place – a festival with the longest tradition in preserving and showcasing clothing heritage in Slovenia. For nearly six decades, it has successfully connected culture, tourism, education, and community life.

Organised by the Institute for Tourism and Sports Kamnik, the event attracts tens of thousands of visitors and more than two thousand performers from Slovenia and abroad each year. Its reputation extends far beyond the local community, making it an important cultural and tourism event for the Central Slovenia region.

Heritage That Lives On

The festival’s main mission is to preserve, present, and reinterpret Slovenian clothing heritage in a contemporary way. At the heart of the event is the traditional parade of national costumes, showcasing the rich diversity of Slovenia’s cultural landscape through colours, patterns, craftsmanship, and stories.

The programme is complemented by performances from Slovenian and international folklore groups, musical events, craft demonstrations, exhibitions, guided tours, and creative workshops. One of the festival’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring generations together, as children, young people, adults, and seniors all actively participate in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.

Gorenjska as the Festival’s Central Theme

This year’s edition introduces an important thematic enhancement. The festival will focus on Gorenjska (Upper Carniola), one of Slovenia’s most recognisable regions, whose rich clothing, musical, and dance traditions will be highlighted throughout the programme.

A special addition is the educational programme “From Underwear to Outerwear” (Od gat do gvanta), developed in collaboration with Dr Bojan Knific, one of Slovenia’s leading experts on clothing heritage. Through an engaging and accessible approach, visitors will learn about the development, characteristics, symbolism, and wearing traditions of Gorenjska’s traditional costumes.

By introducing this programme, the festival strengthens its educational role and offers visitors a deeper understanding of cultural heritage that is often present around us but insufficiently understood.

Zlatorog – A Contemporary Interpretation of Tradition

Another important innovation this year is the festival’s original production Zlatorog, a music and dance performance bringing together local artists and creators. Based on one of Slovenia’s most famous legends, the production presents cultural heritage through a contemporary artistic lens.

In doing so, the festival demonstrates that heritage is not merely about preserving the past but also about inspiring new creative stories that resonate with modern audiences.

A Sustainable Festival for the Future

The organisers place strong emphasis on sustainable event management. The festival incorporates a reusable cup system, separate waste collection, environmentally friendly packaging, and extensive cooperation with local suppliers and service providers.

Visitors are encouraged to use public transport, bicycles, and other sustainable means of travel. Particular attention is also paid to accessibility for people with reduced mobility, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors.

Sustainability is not simply an organisational principle but an integral part of the festival’s identity, linking cultural heritage with responsibility towards the environment and the local community.

A Festival That Connects People

The festival is created through the collaboration of numerous cultural associations, public institutions, museums, folklore groups, musicians, researchers, craftspeople, and volunteers. This spirit of cooperation is one of the event’s greatest values.

The Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage are much more than a festival; they are a platform for meeting, sharing knowledge, and building connections across generations. At the same time, the event significantly contributes to Kamnik’s reputation as a town of culture, tradition, and high-quality cultural tourism.

With its long-standing tradition, professional programme, and innovative approach, the festival continues to strengthen its position as one of Slovenia’s leading ethnological events and an important ambassador of Slovenian cultural heritage both nationally and internationally.

Once again, Kamnik will demonstrate that heritage is not merely a memory of the past but a living story that connects people, places, and generations.

Follow the Facebook pages Živim Kamnik (I Live Kamnik) and Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage for the upcoming reveal of this year’s festival ambassadors and for updates on the rich, diverse, and exciting programme of the 53rd Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage.

The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the program, performers, and event schedules.

NOTICE:
Moments from the 52nd Days of National Costumes and Clothing Heritage in Kamnik will be captured on camera.
We inform all visitors that the festival grounds will be photographed and filmed. The recordings will be used for promotional purposes so we can preserve beautiful memories together and share them with others.