by InTrieste
The annual Cherry Festival, one of the most enduring springtime celebrations in the Breg area south of Trieste, opens Friday evening in the village of Caresana, marking its 63rd edition.
Held in a centuries-old oak grove overlooking the village, the festival has been organized since its inception by the local Slovenian cultural association Mačkolje, the Slovenian name for Caresana. Taking place during the final weekend of May, the event has become a fixture of the seasonal calendar, drawing visitors from across the Trieste area and beyond.
Known for its food stalls, local wines and live entertainment, the festival is among the most popular village celebrations in the Karst region. While cherries remain its central symbol, organizers describe the event as a broader expression of community life and cultural heritage.
For the volunteers who help stage the festival each year, the gathering is often referred to as a praznik, the Slovenian word for celebration. Organizers say the event reflects both the cultural creativity of the local community and its commitment to preserving Slovenian traditions while adapting to contemporary challenges.
The four-day program includes a series of musical performances. The group Rujni Muzikanti will perform on Friday evening, followed by The Maff on Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, the band Vecia Trieste is scheduled to take the stage, while Kraški Muzikanti will perform later in the evening. The festival concludes Monday with performances by Sama Žalost, The Lone Avenue and Keira.
Food stands will be open from 6 p.m. on Friday and Monday, from 5 p.m. on Saturday, and from noon on Sunday.
