Slovenian Days in Cleveland Slovenian National Home
6417 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland September 30, 2023
The Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia in Cleveland presented “Slovenian Days In Cleveland” as a joyous presentation of Slovenian culture in the city with the largest population of Slovenians abroad.
Consul General Alenka Jerak is a career diplomat with many years of experience in various fields at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and abroad. She has worked as a plenipotentiary minister and deputy ambassador to Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands, and has served in Croatia and Canada.
Consul General Alenka Jerak introducing the chefs
The week of activities included a Slovenian harvest celebration, Slovenian films, the opening of the Slovenians in the USA exhibit at the Slovenian Museum and Archives, Culinary experiences, lectures, dances, Slovenian Mass and more. One of the highlights was the “Tastes of Posavje” Gala charity dinner & concert to benefit victims of flooding, featuring chefs and winemakers from Slovenia & Slovenian Octet from Mendoza, Argentina.
Guests enjoyed a 4-course gala dinner, prepared by Slovenian chefs from two renowned restaurants, Gostilna and Hotel Kunst and Gostilna Repovžalong with tasting a variety of Slovenian wines from Klet Krško (wine cellar Krško).
The chefs received a standing ovation
After dinner there was a music performance by Slovenian Octet, visiting from Mendoza, Argentina. The Slovenian Mendoza Octet (Slovenski Mendoski Oktet) from Argentina is the realization of a beautiful dream of eight friends. For more than seventy years it has been continuously bringing together three generations of singers. The performers were Ernest Bajda, David Bajda, Andrej Šmon, Tone Štirn, Vladimir Triep, Matjaž Grintal, Pavel Šmon, Tine Šmon, Diego Bosquet.
Slovenian Mendoza Octet (Slovenski Mendoski Oktet)from Argentina
Enjoy this video of these songs related to wine such as Volver, Bratei veseli vsi and Vincek oj vincek moj.
Next, the Slovenian Octet performed the folk medley Ti puebec ja kna lumpej and Cancionera.
The grand finale was their rendition of Red Red Wine.
Enjoy these other images from the “Tastes of Posavje” Gala charity dinner & concert.
