Slovenian culture, sports, cuisine to be celebrated in Brussels
Ljubljana - A number of cultural, sports and culinary events presenting Slovenia will be held in Brussels this week as the country's EU presidency draws to a close at the end of the year. The highlight will be the Slovenian festival at the Schuman Roundabout, where achievements of Slovenian athletes, scientists and artists will be presented.
As Slovenia's six-month stint at the helm of the EU concludes and the country celebrates its 30th anniversary, it will host a number of events in Brussels until the end of the year for music and literature lovers as well as sports fans.
Most of the events will be held this week, including exhibitions, concerts, debates and film screenings. Most events presenting Slovenia's top achievements in sports, culture, science, gastronomy, its natural sights and outdoor experiences will take place at the Schuman Roundabout until Wednesday, says the website of the Slovenian EU presidency.
The opening event this evening will be addressed by Education Minister Simona Kustec and European Commissioner for Education and Culture Marija Gabriel. Singer Ana Soklič, who represented Slovenia at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, will take the stage.
On Wednesday, the festival will be all about sports, as the role of sports in society will be discussed. Some top Slovenian athletes will be in attendance, including cycling star Primož Roglič and former ski runner Vesna Fabjan.
A virtual ski jump will be possible from the Planica giant sky flying hill, while visitors will be able to take a photo with a life-size basketball star Luka Dončič.
A film 30 Peaks for 30 years, celebrating Slovenian hills and mountains, will be screened along with a projection of the ballet Merman choreographed by Edward Clug, which was staged on Lake Bled as Slovenia took over the EU presidency.
A debate will also be held on the effects of the artificial intelligence on society, which will be accompanied by a wine tasting and a selection of Slovenian dishes. Typical Slovenian dishes will be on the menu of the restaurants of the EU Council all week.
On Tuesday, a concert by Slovenian vocal group Perpetuum Jazzile will be held at the Ancienne Belgique concert hall, and the next day a literary evening will be held at the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts featuring writers Drago Jančar and Stefan Hertmans, an important figure in the Flemish literary world.