According to the society's chair Evgenija Lazarini, a large number of visitors from Slovenia and abroad are expected to turn up, including participants from Peru, which is considered the home of the potato.

The society with more than 1,500 members from over 20 countries was established in 2000 in Ljubljana to promote traditional sauteed potato with onions as a main course.

Its members are bound by rules to eat sauteed potatoes at least once a month in a public place, accompanied by at least three witnesses. Meat is allowed, but only as "garnish".

The organisers point out that Maribor is not only a city of wine, but also serves as a perfect setting for the feast of a traditional Slovenian dish.

The first World Festival of Sauteed Potato With Onions took place in 2001.