Pika's Festival

Established in 1990, Pika's Festival is the most popular event in Velenje and the largest children's festival that attracts its audience from all over Slovenia. Although planned from the outset as an event for children, it is also popular with parents and teachers. Since 2008, it has been organised by the municipal Festival Velenje Public Institute.

The festival is named after the heroine Pippi Longstocking (Swedish: Pippi Langstrumpf, Slovenian: Pika Nogavička), a fictional character in the series of children's books created by author Astrid Lindgren. The spirit of Pippi/Pika as an unconventional and extraordinarily strong heroine pervades the festival in Velenje, which aims to develop the imaginations of children as well as adults. Humanity and tolerance towards diversity and otherness are also encouraged. The educational component of the project relates to culture as well as ecology, ethnology, anthropology, new media and technologies.

Pika Nogavička (Pippi Longstocking) rides on her horse Alfred at Pika’s Festival in 2023. Author: Ksenija Mikor

Pika's Festival features exhibitions, theatre, dance and puppet performances, concerts and many workshops. The festival offers a unique combination of cultural programmes from Slovenian professional theatres, local cultural institutions and organisations, and performing groups and artists. Supported by the Municipality of Velenje, it also generates income through donations, sponsorship, grants and sales.

Giraffes visiting Pika’s Festival, 2022. Author: Peter Žagar

Pika’s Festival at main city square in Velenje, 2022. Author: Peter Žagar

External links

Pika's Festival website (in Slovenian)

Gallery

Pika's Festival

Contents

See also

External links

Gallery