Successful completion of the JURKA 24–25 project: Connecting through culture

Yesterday, 22. 6. 2025, we officially concluded the one-year JURKA 24–25 project, co-financed by the European Union, with the closing event as part of the round table "Preserving Cultural Identity through Festivals". The event, which took place as part of the oldest folklore festival in Slovenia, Jurjevanje in Bela Krajina, brought together experts, cultural workers and representatives of local communities from Slovenia and Croatia.

The introductory musical atmosphere was provided by members of the vocal and tamburitza groups of the Folklore Ensemble Matija Gubec from Karlovac. The event was opened with introductory speeches by the Mayor of the Municipality of Črnomelj, Mr. Andrej Kavšek, and the Deputy Mayor of the City of Karlovac, Ms. Ivana Fočić. In their speeches, they emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation.

The round table highlighted the importance of folklore festivals as a space for preserving and strengthening cultural identity, building communities and intercultural dialogue. The following spoke about their experiences, challenges and opportunities:

Kristina Medarić, Vice President of CIOFF International and Vice President of the Karlovac International Folklore Festival,

Anja Verderber, MA in Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology and

Barbara Papež Lavrič, Director of RIC Bela krajina, organizer of the Jurjevanje festival in Bela krajina.

During the discussion, we touched on issues such as the importance of authenticity, the inclusion of different generations and vulnerable groups, cooperation between festivals and networking with the profession. Guests also shared examples of good practices and ways in which festivals remain attractive even in modern times.

As part of the round table, we paid special attention to the challenges and opportunities in organizing traditional cultural festivals, especially from the perspective of promoting inclusion and respecting diverse cultural identities. Yesterday's conversation reminded us that folklore festivals are much more than just performances of dances and costumes, they are a living space for cultural exchange, learning and pride. At the end of the professional part of the event, it was emphasized that the JURKA 24–25 project is an example of successful cooperation that can be transferred to other cross-border projects in the region or more broadly in the European space. The project emphasized how a common vision and mutual trust can lead to concrete results, namely greater visibility of cultural events, a richer program, greater involvement of local communities and the promotion of cultural diversity as a value.

The JURKA 24–25 project brought together partners RIC Bela krajina, the Municipality of Črnomelj, the City Municipality of Karlovac and the Tourist Board of Karlovac County in one year with the aim of strengthening cultural ties between the two border regions and contributing to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. Five major events were held within this framework, including numerous workshops and expert discussions. The Matija Gubec folklore ensemble from Karlovac impressed the audience with its evening performance and symbolically concluded the one-year cooperation of the partners within the project.

Sincere thanks to all participants, partners and guests for their cooperation, support and shared vision.

Activities in the JURKA 24-25 project are co-financed by the European Union.