In Bohinj, the idea of Triglav Day as a national holiday has ignited.
Marko Viduka from Bohinj will today submit an initiative to the National Assembly for the proclamation of a new national holiday honouring Triglav in all its meanings. Triglav Day would be celebrated every year on 7 August. The proposal has already garnered significant political support, but Viduka wants it to be a citizens' initiative, so they will collect signatures to initiate the procedure.
As Viduka explained, the idea of Triglav Day occurred to him on the occasion of this year's 130th anniversary of the erection of the Aljaž Tower atop Triglav. "I was surprised that Slovenes do not have a holiday celebrating Triglav, which we have in our coat of arms, consciousness and heart," he emphasised.
The initiative for proclaiming the new holiday, which would not be a day off, was first sent to President Nataša Pirc Musar and then to parliamentary groups. As he said, he received no negative responses; everyone supports the initiative, which delights him greatly.
Signature collection soon
The procedure for proclaiming the new law would be easiest if initiated by MPs, but in his view, it must be a citizens' initiative. "Triglav cannot be a political story; it does not divide left from right, history from future, but absolutely unites the nation," he stressed.
Shortly after submitting the initiative, collection of at least 5000 citizen signatures required for submitting the bill will begin. They will have 60 days, and Viduka is convinced they will have no trouble, as all Slovenes feel Triglav. Signatures will be gathered at administrative units and via digital certificates, he announced.
The bill itself, amending the law on holidays and days off, is already prepared and can proceed to parliamentary procedure after signatures are collected. Viduka hopes the process will conclude before National Assembly elections, allowing Triglav Day to be celebrated next year.
The holiday could be marked differently across Slovenia. Triglav's symbolic significance offers numerous interpretations, touching culture and history, hiking and sports, to environmental protection.
Viduka is convinced every Slovene would find meaning in the holiday. Triglav is not just a mountain but a symbol of Slovenian identity, resistance, freedom, belonging and national identity. The holiday would reinforce national consciousness, respect for mountains and nature, and promote sustainable tourism and awareness of Triglav National Park protection.
Source:
https://sobotainfo.com/novica/slovenija/se-nam-obeta-nov-drzavni-praznik-pobuda-je-na-mizi/313827