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Country Guide > Europe > Slovenia | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Slovenia's national cuisine shows an Austro-German influence with sauerkraut, grilled sausage and apple strudel often appearing on menus. The best-known Slovene foods are the breads made for special occasions, which appear in the form of braided loaves or wreathes: the struklji stuffed with sweet fillings, meat or vegetables. Another Slovene speciality is potica, a dessert prepared with a wide variety of fillings. The western and northeastern parts of Slovenia are known for their outstanding white wines (Laski, Renski Rizling and many others). The south is the homeland of the light, russet-coloured cvicek wine. The Adriatic Coast and the Karst region have mainly red karstteran wine. Shopping Attractive local gifts include bobbin lace, crystal glass and speciality wines. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1900 Sat 0800-1300. Nightlife There is a wide selection of theatres, cinemas, casinos and nightclubs in the larger towns. Ljubljana also has a good opera house and the symphony orchestra plays regularly in the Big Hall of the Cultural and Congress Centre. Special Events For a full list of festivals and special events contact the Slovenian Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Slovenia in 2005: Jan 22-23 41st Golden Fox Trophy Competitions, Maribor. Feb 1 3rd World Cup in Snowboarding. Feb 5 Carnival, Maribor; Carnival for Children, Razvanje. Feb 8 22nd Shrovetide. Feb 12 9th Traditional Ple~uh Downhill 2005. Mar 11 The 26th Pruning of the Old Vine. Apr 18-23 The 8th Slovene Book Days. May 13-15 Festival Magdalena. Aug 26-27 12th No Border Jam Festival, punk music celebration. Sep 10-30 Music in September, Maribor. Sep 20 5th Autumn Events Festival in the Embrace of the Old Vine. Oct 15-29 40th Boranik Meeting, theatre festival. Nov 11 21st Saint Martins Day in Maribor. Social Conventions Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Usual European social conventions apply and informal dress is widely acceptable. Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in cinemas, theatres, public offices and in waiting rooms. Tipping: 10 per cent is generally expected in hotels, restaurants and for taxis. |