Date: 17. August 2025
Time to read: 2 min
Every year on 17 August, Slovenia pauses to remember a homecoming. It’s the Day of the Unification of Prekmurje Slovenians with the Mother Nation – a moment in history when an entire region stepped forward to join the heart of the country.
The story goes back to 1919, just after the First World War. The people of Prekmurje had lived for centuries on the far side of the Mura River, their language, traditions and spirit marking them as unmistakably Slovenian – yet they were not part of Slovenia as we know it today.
That summer, the great powers gathered in Paris agreed that Prekmurje would become part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. The Yugoslav army arrived in early August, and on 17 August in the town of Beltinci, a crowd gathered – thousands of voices united, welcoming the moment they had long awaited. On that day, the military handed over authority to the civil government, and Prekmurje officially became part of its mother nation. Only the Slovenians of the Rába Valley (Porabje) remained outside the new borders.
Since 2006, this date has been a national holiday. It’s not a work-free day, but it is rich with meaning – a reminder of unity, identity and belonging.
A land of rivers, plains and warm welcomes
Prekmurje lies in the far northeast of Slovenia, where the land stretches wide and the sky feels endless. Here, the Mura River winds past fields of sunflowers, vineyards ripple across gentle hills, and every village greets visitors with a smile.
Nature lovers find peace at Bukovniško Lake, famous for its energy points, while history enthusiasts wander the halls of Grad Castle in Goričko, the largest in Slovenia. And for those seeking rest and renewal, the region’s renowned thermal springs – from Moravske Toplice to Terme Lendava – promise pure relaxation.
Flavours, traditions and a proud heritage
Prekmurje is also a feast for the senses. Its signature dessert, prekmurska gibanica, is a layered pastry of poppy seeds, apples, walnuts and cottage cheese – a masterpiece of local cuisine. Golden pumpkin seed oil adds a distinctive touch to salads and dishes, while the local dialect and colourful folk costumes keep traditions alive.
The Day of the Unification is a celebration of the bonds between people and place, a tribute to a region whose warmth and heritage enrich the whole of Slovenia.
