October 31st: A National holiday in Slovenia – Reformation Day
Reformation Day is a Slovenian cultural holiday celebrated in remembrance of the 16th-century movement that profoundly shaped the Slovenian language, culture, and national identity. The Reformation brought Slovenians their first books in the native language – the Catechism and Abecednik by Primož Trubar, published in 1550, marking the beginning of Slovenian printed literature. Trubar and his contemporaries, such as Adam Bohorič, Jurij Dalmatin, and Sebastijan Krelj, laid the foundations of the Slovenian language, education, and culture.
This holiday reminds us that language is a bridge between people and a key to understanding, knowledge, and connection. It is also an important part of identity that grows through learning and conversation.
At the Intercultural Dialogue Association, we connect the celebration of language and culture with contemporary activities – among them the Slovene Conversation Club, where foreigners learn the Slovenian language, culture, and society through integration-based topics. Participants not only learn the language but also explore manners, cultural differences, and everyday situations that help them adapt to life in Slovenia.
Just as the Reformation opened the door to knowledge and understanding, our conversation club today opens a space for intercultural dialogue, respect, and shared growth – values that form the foundation of an open and diverse society.
