EU Open House 2013 at the Slovenian Embassy

The Delegation of the European Union to the United States, the embassies of the 27 E.U. member states to the United States, and of Croatia opened their doors to Washington public during the seventh Annual E.U. Embassies' Open House Day on Saturday, May 11, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual event is a part of Passport DC event and also a highlight of the Washington diplomatic May calendar, and is every year celebrated around the Europe Day, to commemorate the day in 1950 when French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman first proposed economic integration of European nations.

Around 3400 people visited the Slovenian embassy, which provided a unique opportunity for experiencing the country's cultural heritage and national traditions. The visitors were addressed by Ambassador Roman Kirn, who outlined the features presented at the embassy: an exhibition of Slovenian landscape paintings by Jože Svetina, crystal ware by Rogaška USA, and a showcase of authentic Slovenian costumes, household items, artwork and crafts brought for the occasion by Messrs. Seph and Martin Kumer from the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center near Pittsburgh, PA. At the event, Flaška company also presented its products.

Throughout the day, visitors could learn about Slovenian tourist attractions, and talk to embassy staff about history, economy, and politics of Slovenia. Furthermore, the guests could taste excellent Carniolan sausages (kranjske klobase), traditionally smoked by Ažman Meats from Euclid, OH, and Pullus wine from Ptujska Klet wine cellar, presented by T & K Distributors. Demonstration of apple strudel (jabolčni zavitek) making was presented by Bajda sisters: Pavla Mavec, Rosie Antilla, Albina Medved and Nadi Bajda, who came to Washington all the way from Minnesota and Illinois, whereas typical Slovenian festive walnut roll-cake (potica) making was demonstrated by Mary Gornik Carmody and Nick Carmody of Rocky Mountain Potica Company, who came for the occasion, respectively, from Illinois and Colorado. 

Traditional Slovenian folk music was performed on accordion by Alex Gergar, who with his family came for the E.U. Open House event from Bethlehem, PA, whereas Broadway singer Michael Alujevič Green and dancer Mojca Majcen presented Slovenian music from the ‘60s.

Promotional films on Slovenia attracted a great number of people, many of whom were photographed with the embassy staff in national costume. Children were having fun listening to traditional Slovenian stories and play in the special kids' corner. The event wouldn’t have been as successful if it hadn’t been for the dedication of Slovenian diplomats with their spouses, local staff, the interns Blaž Božnar and Andreja Škerl and numerous volunteers: Johanna M Bajc, John Cloud, Marty McGihon, Joe Heitz, Michael Herndon, Elizabeth Obreza Hurst and Phillip Hurst, Carol Maruszak, Brian A. McGill, Clement and Sandra Mihelič, Roza Oblak, Michelle Offik, Emeše Purger, Aleš Pšaker, Greg Rudl, Mark Sfiligoj, Nina Srebočan, Frank Stanonik, Dhruv Sud, Katja Šteblaj, and Saad Yaseen. 

Moreover, for the first time in Washington, DC, throughout the month of May one can experience Europe's rich and diverse culture during the European Month of Culture, since the E.U .member states have put on an unprecedented performance series, featuring musical performances, art exhibits, film screenings, and lectures at the National Gallery of Art, the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, the Phillips Collection, American University, E.U. Embassies and Cultural Institutes, and other venues. For event details, please visit: http://www.euintheus.org/event/european-month-of-culture/