The central one-day celebration takes place on November 11 at Leona Štuklja Square in Maribor. The event usually starts at 11:11 and lasts until late evening. Accompanying programs and culinary offerings also take place in front of the House of the Old Vine on Lent.
St Martin’s Day
Wine, culinary and entertainment festival
In Styria, Martin's Day is not just an ordinary holiday on the calendar – in this wine-growing region, it is the joyful highlight of the year. On St. Martin's Day, November 11th, the year-long work of the winemakers culminates in the wine cellars, as according to popular tradition, the unclean must with blessing and resounding celebration ultimately transforms into true, pure young wine.
How does the traditional celebration of Martin's day take place?
The roots of the holiday trace back to pre-Christian times when our ancestors expressed gratitude for the harvest and the gifts of nature through autumn rituals. The heritage of this celebration has been preserved to this day:
Traditional must baptism: The central event of the celebration, where the "bishop" or host humorously transforms the must into young wine.
Martin's feast - Styrian culinary trio: Tradition dictates a richly laid table. The main stars of the meal are roasted poultry (roast goose, duck, or turkey), mlinci, and "braised" red cabbage. The poultry symbolizes the well-known legend that St. Martin hid among the geese before being appointed bishop, but they betrayed him with their cackling.
Socializing and tasting young wines: Wineries open their doors, and there, with the noble young drop and homemade delicacies, family, friends, and neighbors gather.
Central Martinovanje in Maribor: The largest one-day celebration in Slovenia
Although Martin's Day is celebrated throughout Slovenia, this holiday has a completely special vibe in the wine-growing region of Styria. Here, amidst the picturesque autumn hills, tradition truly comes to life – with an unmatched energy, genuine Styrian hospitality, and a glass of top-quality young wine.
The Styrian capital hosts the largest one-day Martin celebration in Slovenia every year, attracting thousands of visitors from Slovenia and abroad to Leona Štuklja Square.
The highlight of the event in the city is a ceremonial presentation with the baptism of the must and the arrival of the wine queens.
Styrian winemakers showcase their best young wines at the stalls, while local restaurateurs offer authentic Styrian culinary delights.
From noon until late evening, popular musicians and bands ensure an unforgettable atmosphere with live music.
The festive vibe is also felt in front of the World's Oldest Grapevine, where we pay tribute to the rich wine heritage of the city with guided tastings.
Tip: The celebration does not take place only on November 11, but extends into Martin's weekend, when numerous city restaurants, cafes, and local wine cellars offer special Martin menus and themed experiences.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, entry to the venue at Trg Leona Štuklja and on Lent is free. Tastings of young wines and the culinary offer at the stalls and in the catering establishments are paid according to the price list of the providers. Many winemakers also allow the purchase of an official souvenir glass.
Yes, the event at Trg Leona Štuklja takes place regardless of weather conditions, as covered areas and warm hospitality offerings are provided. Since the event takes place in autumn, we recommend that you still bring an umbrella or a raincoat.
We recommend using public parking lots and garages near the city center (e.g., PH City, PH Forum, PH Union) or using the city bus service. Due to wine tasting, we advise visitors to use public transport or taxi services.
Of course! The celebration includes a rich cultural and folkloric program, stalls with local delicacies and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as an introduction to local traditions, making it suitable for all generations.