St. Martin’s Celebrations in Štajerska
St. Martin’s Day is a traditional holiday celebrated on 11 November, the feast day of Saint Martin. The day is important to many Slovenians and a great opportunity to gather and enjoy food and wine. Martinovanje is also closely linked to the vine, winemaking, and the arrival of autumn.
The main feature of Martinovanje is the “baptism” of the must as it turns into wine. This is a ritual where the wine from the new vintage is tasted for the first time, usually in a wine cellar or vineyard. St. Martin’s Day is therefore also a celebration of young wine, which is typically on the table alongside the traditional St. Martin’s feast.
In addition, St. Martin’s Day is an occasion to prepare a variety of traditional dishes, such as koline with blood sausage, zaseka (a cured pork spread), potatoes and turnip, roast meats, and various kinds of bread. Meals are typically enriched with local and seasonal ingredients. St. Martin’s Day is also a chance to socialize with friends and family, as people head together to one of the many cultural events, concerts, or traditional customs.
Other St. Martin’s celebrations in the Štajerska region
In addition to the St. Martin’s celebrations, Destination Štajerska also hosts other events during the St. Martin’s season that attract visitors with a diverse mix of cultural, culinary, and nature experiences—offering the destination at its most radiant.
