FESTIVAL LENT 2009 (26. VI. - 11. VII.)

The annual multicultural Festival Lent is a strange creature – almost as if by magic it transforms the city of Maribor into a small world of its own. A variety of more than 400 performances and half a million of visitors make it one of the biggest festivals in Europe. Festival Lent, which has its origins in the folklore festival Folkart, has received numerous awards, including 40 awards from the prestigious International Festival and Events Association (IFEA).

Between 26 ^th June and 11 ^th July, you will get the chance to see, feel and hear an eclectic mix of events, including concerts of classical, jazz, rock, pop and ethno music; evenings with singer-songwriters and chansons; theatre and dance performances; drama and puppet theatres; creative workshops for children; sports performances and much more. The Festival also hosts the colourful folklore festival Folkart, the spicy jazz festival Jazzlent and the diverse street theatre festival Ana Desetnica. All these events and performances take place on more than 30 venues around town, including stages, squares, parks and streets.

Can you imagine anything more pleasant than listening to a concert under the starry summer sky? Would you feel excited about a classical concert in a 400-year-old synagogue? How about some delicious jazz rhythms? Maybe you would prefer a performance on the floating Central stage on the river Drava or taking a walk along the picturesque streets of Maribor and meet up with street artists? If at any point you should start feeling tired and would want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the festival, the Pohorje hills are only a couple of minutes drive away, awaiting you with peace, harmony and excellent food and wine.

To date, many internationally acknowledged musicians have performed at Festival Lent. Along the banks of the river Drava, stars such as Ray Charles, B. B. King, James Brown, Jose Feliciano, Lester Bowie, Stephane Grappelli, Tania Maria, Les McCann, Jimmy Whitterspoon, Maynard Ferguson Big Band, Paquito D’Rivera, Howard Johnson & Gravity, Dr. John, B. Golson, Chicco Freeman, Vocal Sampling, Reggie Workman, Chucho Valdes, Brad Mehldau, Monty Alexander, Ray Brown, Alfredo De La Fé, Bela Fleck, Alvin Queen, Dr. Didge, Esbjörn Svensson, Alfredo Rodrigues, Matt Darriau, Taj Mahal, Malia, Mercedes Sosa, Olodum, Eric Burdon & The Animals, David Byrn, Reggie Johnson, Femi Anikulapo Kuti, Joe Zawinul, Maceo Parker, Living Colour, Omara Portuondo and many others have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, the festival has also hosted the best Slovenian artists. The International Folklore Festival Folkart is characterised by its quality and the variety of folklore groups from Slovenia and abroad.

Festival Lent is the best excuse to spend some time and energy on things that excite and inspire us all. Lifting spirits and spreading positive vibes, the festival is an occasion that allows you to see the world around you through different eyes. With its festive spirit it makes us understand what’s so special about art and culture.

FESTIVAL LENT 2010
25. VI. - 10. VII.

FOLKART 2010
29. VI. - 3. VII.