Anin festival

Rogaška Slatina is one of the oldest spa towns in this part of Europe, and like most such towns it has long kept a calendar of summer events in its park and along its promenades. The Anin festival is one of them, a cultural celebration that fills the centre of town with music, stalls and people. The name evokes Saint Anne, whose feast day falls in late July, and the town's tradition of marking the day goes back a long way, although the exact programme changes from year to year, so check the current schedule rather than relying on a fixed date.

The setting is the main attraction. The historic spa park and the promenade in front of the grand spa buildings are among the most elegant public spaces in Slovenia, with formal paths, old trees, pavilions and fountains from the days when European aristocrats came here to drink the mineral water. A festival held in such a place has a different atmosphere from a street fair in a modern town. Open-air concerts take place on stages set among the trees, and the music often ranges from folk and brass bands to classical performances and popular acts. Folk groups in traditional costume perform songs and dances of the region, giving visitors a view of local heritage, and art exhibitions by regional artists add a visual dimension.

Stalls along the paths sell handmade crafts, honey, local food and drink, and you can taste the mineral water that made the town famous. Rogaška's water is rich in magnesium and has been bottled and sold for generations under the Donat Mg name, so a small glass sampled in the park is almost obligatory. Families will find activities for children, from workshops to games and performances, and the evening programmes sometimes end with a gathering in the park or fireworks. Religious services in the parish church are part of the festival's roots, and visitors who are interested can attend, observing the usual rules of quiet and modest dress.

The festival fits in naturally with the town's other sights. The Glass factory is known for its crystal, the Cacti Pavilion is a curious collection on the outskirts, Casino Fontana and Afrodita provide evening entertainment and wellness, Berg Boc is the wooded hill above the town, and Exhibitions are held throughout the year.

Because accommodation in the town can be busy during festival days, book ahead. The festival suits families, music lovers and visitors who want to see the town in a festive mood. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket for the evening. During the festival days, Family-friendly programmes sit beside concerts. For Rogaška’s residents it is a summer fixture, and Slatina’s park is at its liveliest. The Slovenian music and dance are the core of the programme.