A tribute to the land, the people, and the salt
August sunlight, the wind, and the scent of salt once again fill the Sečoveljske Soline. The festival, co-created by local associations, institutions, and individuals from the Municipality of Piran, is more than just an event – it is a tribute to the land, the people, and the salt that has shaped life along the Slovenian coast for centuries. In the past, salt-making families would move to the salt pans in spring and stay until the feast of St. Jernej, when the season ended. Today, these migrations no longer take place, but the festival preserves their story through a rich cultural and educational program.
The director of SOLINE Pridelava soli d.o.o., Aleksander Valentin, emphasizes: "In doing this, we pay tribute to the land and the people who work hard all summer. It is important to open our doors and, together with the local community, preserve a tradition that has shaped our region for centuries."
A program for all generations
Saturday, August 23, will bring a full day of events at the Lera area from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: creative workshops for children, presentations by the Salt-Making Museum, stalls with salt-based products, exhibitions, musical and folk performances, a traditional salt-harvesting demonstration, and refreshments as part of the Salt Culinary project. This year, special emphasis will also be placed on nature conservation, with the LIFE URCA PROEMYS project presented to protect the European pond turtle. The day will conclude at 7:45 p.m. with a historical reenactment of the salt workers’ departure by boat to Piran. Entry to the park and all guided tours are free, and shuttle buses will be provided between the Lera and Fontanigge entrances.
On Sunday, August 24, the celebration continues at 10 a.m. with a Holy Mass at the Church of St. Jernej in Seča, followed by socialising, a musical program, and creative workshops.
More information about the full program is available on the Avditorij Portorož website.
