German-Speaking Community in Slovenia Marked 180 Years of the First Christmas Tree with Festive Advent Concert
The Organisation of Cultural Associations of the German-speaking Community in Slovenia held its traditional Advent concert yesterday in the Church of St. James in Ljubljana. The event also marked the 180th anniversary of the first Christmas tree in Slovenia, originally set up in 1845.
A Concert Under Honorary Patronage
The concert took place under the honorary patronage of Slovenian Minister of Culture Dr Asta Vrečko and Austrian Ambassador Dr Konrad Bühler.
Performances were given by the Vocal Group of the Gottschee Old Settlers Society from Občice and the Hugo Wolf Chamber Choir from Maribor.
Visitors could also admire a traditionally decorated Christmas tree brought from the Kočevje forests. Members of the Ethnological Gottschee Society from Ljubljana presented the audience with a multilingual Gottschee calendar for 2026.
Rich Cultural Tradition and Strong Support
Austrian Ambassador Dr Konrad Bühler praised the concert as a wonderful introduction to the Christmas season. He emphasised that the vibrant cultural activities of the German-speaking community in Slovenia have long enjoyed the embassy’s support. The event attracted around 180 visitors, among them representatives of the German-speaking ethnic community, public figures, and diplomats. For many years, this concert has served as a space for cultural exchange, showcasing diversity, linguistic richness, and shared history.
A Community with Deep Historical Roots
The autochthonous German-speaking community has lived in the territory of present-day Slovenia for centuries—from the Kočevje region and the Apače Valley to former German-speaking urban centres of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Today, the Association of Cultural Societies unites nine organisations across the country.
Association President Urška Kop highlighted the importance of preserving cultural and linguistic heritage, promoting multilingualism, and presenting this heritage to the general public.
The First Christmas Tree in Slovenia
Part of this heritage is the Christmas tree itself.
The first modern Christmas tree in Slovenia was erected in 1845 by German brewer Peter Luelsdorf at his Ljubljana brewery.
This year’s concert once again featured a tree brought from the Kočevje forests and decorated in the traditional style—with candles, straw stars, red apples, gingerbread, gilded walnuts, and Spanish moss. Its popularity in the region is largely attributed to the Austro-Hungarian Princess Henriette von Nassau-Weilburg.
Ongoing Efforts for Constitutional Recognition
The Association continues to advocate for the formal recognition of the rights of the German-speaking ethnic community by including them in the Slovenian Constitution.
Currently, the minority’s status is acknowledged only in the bilateral cultural agreement between Austria and Slovenia.
Since Slovenia’s independence, Austria has consistently supported the efforts of the German-speaking community.
