Outdoor New Year's Eve parties aplenty
Ljubljana, 31 December - Slovenians who wish to enter the New Year with a bang will be able to do so at many concerts and outdoor parties across the country, even though most cities have opted out of fireworks. In light of recent events, security will be increased and police present in large cities.
Ljubljana
Festive lights in Ljubljana.
Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA
File photo
Ljubljana will boast four stages with live music suited to different tastes, including artists Luka Basi, Čuki, Lado Leskovar, Flirrt and Koala Voice.
The city will put up a five-minute fireworks display from the Ljubljana Castle. Should it be foggy, which is not unusual for the capital this time of year, there will be sonic fireworks with low-flying rockets.
The funk band The Schminkers will play in Maribor with folk music legend Alpi Nipič, while in Celje the revellers will be entertained by Nuša Derenda.
The pop rock group Tabu will play in Koper, while folk singer Marko Vozelj and the band Mojstri will usher in the New Year in Kranj.
Slovenian folk music and poetry will take over Ljubljana's Cankarjev Dom venue for a concert titled O This Night, Full of Grace, performed by accordion player and composer Janez Dovč and the Sounds of Slovenia ensemble.
On the first day of the new year the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra will play their traditional concert at Cankarjev Dom, this year taking the audience on a musical journey through Spain.
In Ljubljana the New Year's Eve will be festive also for the homeless who will be able to celebrate with live music, a quiz and a festive dinner. The Slovenian Society of Saint Vincent de Paul expects some 80 to 90 homeless people will attend the event.
Interior Minister Boštjan Poklukar has called for safety at New Year's celebrations. Those celebrating should do so responsibly, while the organisers should ensure their venues are safe, he said. Police officers will be present at outdoor parties in all large cities.
"The recent tragic event in Magdeburg in Germany reminds us that no European country is immune to violent events, including Slovenia," Poklukar said.