Slovenia will celebrate 2026 as the Year of Srečko Kosovel (1904-1926), the influential modernist poet who left behind a vast and powerful literary legacy despite his untimely death at the age of 22.

His poetry, marked by elements of expressionism and constructivism, reflects a deep social awareness, visionary thinking, and a profound humanistic message, qualities that remain strikingly relevant today.

His poems have been translated into multiple languages, underscoring his significance beyond Slovenia's borders.

Coinciding with the centenary of his death, 2026 was designated as Srečko Kosovel Year by the government on 13 February at the initiative started by Sežana, the town where Kosovel was born, and backed by the Slovenian Writers' Association.

The Culture Ministry said Kosovel Year will serve as a crucial opportunity to further raise the awareness of the poet's enduring influence on Slovenian and European cultural heritage.

A series of programmes dedicated to his literature and artistic legacy will be organised in collaboration with public institutions, cultural funds, and agencies. The ministries responsible for education, research, and tourism will also be involved.

The western town of Sežana celebrates 18 March, Kosovel's birthday, as its cultural holiday.

Kosovel is widely perceived as one of central Europe's major modernist poets. He was extremely prolific, leaving behind an impressive body of work of more than 1000 drafts, among them 500 complete poems.

His poetry continues to resonate with readers today, spanning from intimate reflections on nature and existentialism to sharp critiques of contemporary political and social issues. He was deeply influenced by the turbulence of post-World War I Europe, particularly the struggles of the Slovenian people under Italian rule.

His poetry invites comparison with other European modernists of his era, such as Guillaume Apollinaire and Vladimir Mayakovsky. Like them, Kosovel grappled with themes of alienation, technological advancement, and the search for identity in a world increasingly defined by uncertainty.