Ljubljana, 15 May 2026 – With the launch of the Danube Festival Caravan, a new network of festivals and communities is being established across Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe, connecting more than 12 cultural events in nine Danube region countries.

The initiative opens a new chapter in regional cultural tourism and builds a connected narrative of the region that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and heritage of the Danube area. At the same time, it fosters cooperation between cultural and tourism organisations that exchange knowledge, resources, and good practices to develop more sustainable, inclusive, and internationally attractive cultural events.

Slovenia plays an important role in the initiative as a connecting country within the broader Danube cultural space. The network includes the destinations Višnja Gora and Ravne na Koroškem, which actively co-create the European festival network through their programmes and strengthen Slovenia’s visibility as a dynamic and sustainability-oriented cultural destination.

Sustainability, Accessibility, and Slow Tourism

A special emphasis is placed on ensuring access to cultural experiences for all visitors, as well as on introducing sustainable tourism practices that contribute to the protection of the natural and cultural heritage of the Danube region.

The initiative also promotes the concept of slow tourism, encouraging visitors to extend their stays in less-visited destinations, thereby strengthening local economies and regional identities.

“We are convinced that the Danube region is developing into one of Europe’s most attractive cultural tourism destinations. The Danube Festival Caravan connects exceptional festivals, local communities, and authentic experiences into a shared story. It invites travellers to look beyond the obvious and discover the creativity, heritage, and hospitality that make this region so unique,” emphasised Urška Dolinar, Director of Zavod Iskriva, the lead partner of the project.

12 festivals, 9 countries, more than 60,000 visitors

In the coming months, 12 festivals will take place across nine countries, collectively expected to attract more than 60,000 visitors. Each event brings a unique thematic focus and a local story, offering visitors a diverse experience of the region. The first event, Tradition of Our Ancestors in Croatia, has already been successfully held in April, attracting a large audience, including the President of the Republic of Croatia.

Slovenian highlights: culture, bees, and industrial heritage in a new light

Among the first highlights in Slovenia is the World Bee Day 2026, taking place on 20 May 2026 in Višnja Gora. The event will bring together visitors of all generations with children’s performances, presentations of beekeeping heritage, and tastings of local honey products. It highlights the importance of protecting pollinators, nature, and traditional knowledge.

From 21–23 June 2026, the Fabrika Fest will take place in Ravne na Koroškem, a new international festival connecting art, science, and industrial heritage. The programme will begin with a concert on Mount Uršlja Gora, followed by events in the Old Ironworks complex, including workshops, exhibitions, talks, and musical performances. The festival creates a space where past and future meet and positions Ravne na Koroškem as a recognised creative destination in the region.

Selected regional events:

• Bonțida, Romania – Bánffy Castle Open Day (17 May)
• Višnja Gora, Slovenia – World Bee Day (20 May)
• Hlebine, Croatia – Walk Through the Naïve (22–24 May)
• Butuceni, Moldova – DescOpera Festival (19–21 June)
• Szombathely, Hungary – Night of Museums (20 June)
• Ravne na Koroškem, Slovenia – Fabrika Fest (21–23 June)
• Sofia, Bulgaria – Living Neighbourhoods: Lyulin (26–28 June)
• Kolárovo, Slovakia – Floating Mill Festival (9–11 July)
• Sremski Karlovci, Serbia – Kult Fest (August weekends)
• Petrovac, Montenegro – Jazz Festival (3–7 September)
• Sremski Karlovci, Serbia – Fruška Walk&Wine (27 September)

Slovenian partners and cultural tourism development

The Danube Festival Caravan is implemented within the CAST (Culture trAnSforming communiTies and economies) Project, supported by the Interreg Danube Region Programme and co-financed by the European Union. The project strengthens the role of cultural heritage as a driver of social inclusion and sustainable development in the Danube region.

In Slovenia, the project partners include:

• Zavod Iskriva – lead partner for cultural and innovative approaches
• Prijetno domače – development of authentic local experiences
• Municipality of Ravne na Koroškem – support for cultural and creative initiatives in the region