After a six year break, the Passion Play of Škofja Loka will once again be performed along the streets and squares of the medieval town. In the weeks when the play is performed, the town is surrounded by the passion spirit, which can be seen, heard, felt and tasted.

The Škofja Loka Passion Play is based on the original text of Friar Romuald from 1721. It is the oldest Slovenian dramatic text and it is preserved at the Capuchin Monastery Archives and Library in Škofja Loka. From the first staging in 1721, the play was performed every year for the next thirty years before it disappeared into oblivion. In 1936 and the jubilee years of 1999 and 2000 the play was revived. Since 2009 the Škofja Loka Passion Play has been a regular event held every sixth year.

Europassion network

There are many passion plays performed around the globe. The town of Škofja Loka is a member of the Europassion network which unifies over 80 passion play cities across Europe. "We think that every passion play is beautiful and we therefore help each other. However, every passion play is also different and unique and so is ours", says Matej Mohorič Peternel, the project manager of the 2015 Škofja Loka Passion Play.

Unique story

The story of the Škofja Loka Passion Play begins with a scene in Eden where Adam and Eve cannot resist the temptation to bite the forbidden apple. The story continues with the arrival of Death and subsequently it takes place in Hell where sinners are punished by Lucifer. In later scenes, Jesus Christ arrives and his life is followed all the way to his crucifixion. This is how the Škofja Loka Passion Play uniquely blends the Old and New Testament. An additional feature of the play is that it is performed as a procession where about 800 actors move along the streets and squares of Škofja Loka.

Unique place and time

The play takes place at four unique places - the main square, below the castle and at two venues on the lower square. The medieval atmosphere in the old city centre makes it a great place to enjoy the dramatic story. Many passion plays are performed during summer, however the Škofja Loka Passion Play is held during the original Lent and Easter period which is why it offers Christians a deeper passion experience at that time of year. There are performances during the day and in the evening when torches are used.

Volunteers

Around 800 actors make the Škofja Loka Passion Play come to life. In addition, there are more than 200 people cooperating in the organisation. They are all volunteers, mostly from Škofja Loka and the nearby Selška and Poljanska valleys. "It is very nice to see and feel the passion spirit as we work together. There are not many jobs in this world where you visit volunteers who also give you also a nice cup of coffee and dessert" says project manager, Mohorič. "It is therefore important to note that without people, who cooperate in both segments of the performance, the passion play of Škofja Loka could not be realised."

Events

In the weeks of the passion play, Škofja Loka offers a wide variety of events relating to the passion tradition, among which are culinary events. Special passion souvenirs will be available throughout town. Local artists are already working on all kinds of souvenirs reminiscent of Loka's passion and medieval traditions. Restaurants in Škofja Loka will offer special passion dishes which are not normally on their menu. The passion play office is preparing workshops, exhibitions, music events and various social gatherings in order to make a visit to the Škofja Loka Passion Play a unique and unforgettable experience.