Traditional events

Intercontinental Cup in tobogganing on natural tracks in Savske jame (Sava caves) - (January)

A club tobogganing competition on a natural sledding track in the Sava Caves, with competitors from clubs from other countries. The competition is expected to take place in January and is subject to weather conditions. The toboggan run is natural and runs along a forest road. The weather has a large impact on match conditions. The track is also used for recreational tobogganing, but only for competitors during the Intercontinental Cup.

Organiser: Jesenice Luge Club

Carnival (February or March)

The carnival tradition dates back to 1967, when the Golica Tourist Society (Pig's Head section) first organised the ski competition "Downhill for the Pig's Head Trophy". On Carnival Sunday, a large crowd gathered at Črni vrh to compete in the carnival mask competition, either individually or in groups. Anyone who had a sense of humour and a desire to socialize could participate in this event. It was only possible to perform using skis and, of course, a carnival mask. The winner received a roasted pig's head and a trophy. The day before the competition, the General Assembly is held, where the mayor is elected. Several years ago there was also a competition for the best liar. From 1994 onwards, children could also compete in a special children's category, and the winner received a sweet pig's head as a prize. The carnival masks that represented the current events of the year were the most desirable. The event was held every year regardless of weather conditions, sometimes overland, until 2018. In 2019, only the General Assembly was held, and the carnival was cancelled due to the containment of the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) disease.

Organiser: Golica Tourist Society

In 2020, the Cultural Sports Association of Hrušica organised the Hruščan Carnival with a parade for the first time.

On Carnival Saturday, the carnival masks with their "carriages" gather in the square on Hrušica and then move through Jesenice to Čufar Square, where a short cultural entertainment programme takes place. All the masks are presented, and of course, the current and carnival mayor says some frivolous words in a mischievous way. The parade then returns to Hrušica, where the entertainment programme begins with animation for children and concludes with an evening carnival party featuring an award ceremony for the best masks. On Wednesday, the day after Carnival Tuesday, the burning of Mr. Pust and the burial of Pust with his entourage are organised.

Organiser: Cultural Sports Association of Hrušica

St. Joseph's Fair (March)

The traditional fair of small crafts in Jesenice, where small craftsmen are presented every year from 15 to 19 March. At the stands, you can purchase products from a variety of domestic manufacturers. Local ensembles perform throughout the event, and children can enjoy themselves on the carousels. The fair is held at the Stara Sava event space.

Organiser: Jesenice Sports Institute

Triglav Trophy (April)

The International Figure Skating Competition is organised annually by the Slovenian Skating Association and the Ice Skating Club Jesenice. Podmežakla’s sports hall hosts a large number of senior member skaters, youngsters, and juniors from various countries (Slovenia, Germany, France, Sweden, United States of America, Slovakia, Korea, Italy, Canada, Russia, Japan, Switzerland, Croatia...).

Organiser: Ice Skating club Jesenice

Bonfire in Golica (April)

On April 30th, the Mountaineering Society Jesenice hosts a bonfire at the cottage on Golica in honour of Labour Day, which is on May 1st. It is a social gathering attended primarily by locals and visitors from other locations.

Organiser: Mountaineering Society Jesenice

Month of daffodils (May)

In May, when the daffodils bloom, the Golica Tourist Society organises a number of social events in Planina pod Golico. Dates for each year and event are announced separately. Miss Daffodil has been chosen at the central event, in addition to the festivities with local ensembles, since 1964. A run to Španov vrh, an open sledding championship under Španov vrh, various cultural performances by musical groups, and other events are organised in addition to the main events. You can also compete in ski jumping on a small model of the Planica ski jumping hill, where a competition is organised with models of small jumpers. Historical figures, ironworker Viktor Ruard, mining manager Heinrich and miner Tone, entertain you on a hike along the Old Mining Trail from Jesenice to the Sava Caves.

Bus transportation is provided during the weekend events due to the beautiful daffodil fields.

Organiser: Golica Tourist Society and Municipality of Jesenice

Cultural Rainbow (June)

The first Saturday in June is a meeting and performance of local and foreign folklore groups. The cultural rainbow depicts the vibrant colours of various ethnic groups' national costumes, which they wear on stage while performing dances, songs, and games.

A unique experience takes place beneath the stage, where representatives of the societies at the stands present the history, culture, and customs of their respective nations in an engaging manner.

The culinary experience is especially important for visitors, as members of the societies excel year after year in preparing delicious traditional dishes.

Organiser: Association of Cultural Societies of Jesenice and Youth Centre Jesenice

Meeting on Rožca (September)

The second Saturday in September is dedicated to strengthening the bonds between the municipalities, each of which is located on its own side of the Karavanke Mountains. The friendly meeting of the citizens of the two municipalities on Rožca is organised one year by the Municipality of Jesenice in cooperation with the Golica Tourist Society, and the second year by the Municipality of Šentjakob v Rožu na Koroškem, each on its own mountain near the former state border.

The initiator, Franci Smolej, along with the Golica Tourist Society, wanted to re-establish and strengthen ties with neighbours on the other side of the Karavanke mountains. The meeting took on the character of an inter-municipal meeting thanks to the collaboration of the former mayor of Jesenice Municipality, Boris Bregant. The first meeting was held in 2001 on mountain pass Rožca at Mokot cottage, but it was later relocated to the shepherd's cottage on the Slovenian side of Jeseniška planina. Every other year, the meeting is held on mountain pass Rožca in Austria, at the mountain lodge. For several years, the event was known as the Arh Jalun meeting, and its goal was to strengthen friendly relationships between firefighters from both municipalities.

The Meeting on Rožca has resurfaced in recent years, as the event brings together all people of goodwill who consciously strengthen friendship while admiring the exceptional nature on both sides of the Karavanke mountains.

Organiser: Municipality of Jesenice and Golica Tourist Society

Čufar’s Days (November)

The Čufar’s days, a well-established festival of amateur theatres in the Carniola region and beyond, is held on the stage of the Tone Čufar Theatre in Jesenice. In addition to entertainment and culture, the gathering of amateur theatre members has a competitive edge, as the performers compete for Čufar plaques: for the best performance, the best male role, the best female role, and the best performance as chosen by the audience.

Organiser: Tone Čufar Theatre

Blessing of horses in Blejska Dobrava (December)

Every year on December 26, the blessing of horses takes place on Blejska Dobrava in honour of St. Stephen, the patron saint of horses and all horse-related activities. Other village events on this day include ensemble performances organised by the local community and villagers.

Organiser: Municipality of Jesenice – Local community Blejska Dobrava

Hockey matches (November – April)

Hockey matches in the Podmežakla Sports Hall are a unique experience, especially when the eternal derby between the hockey club from Ljubljana and the locals is on schedule.

Organiser: HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice