St. Martin's Festival in Šmartno

07.11.2026 - 08.11.2026

Šmartno

Autumn in the Brda Hills has a magic of its own. Vineyards turn golden and crimson, young wine matures in the cellars, and the stone streets of Šmartno come alive once again for one of the region’s most cherished celebrations.

Join us on 7th and 8th November 2026 for St. Martin's Festival in Šmartno, a festival of authenticity, tradition, and the warm hospitality of Brda. Step into a picturesque medieval village where culture is part of everyday life and where every visitor is welcomed as a guest among the people of Brda.

Wander through the village’s stone alleys and squares, discover the rich wine and culinary heritage of the region, and enjoy a carefully curated programme for all generations.

Programme

SATURDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 2026 (10:00–22:00)

10:00–19:00 / Stalls selling local products and produce

11:00–22:00 / Wine tastings in the wine cellars of Šmartno

11:00–22:00 / A varied selection of food and traditional St Martin’s Day specialities

11:00–22:00 / Roasting of chestnuts

11:00–17:00 / Outdoor painting event organised by the Dablo Art Society

11:00–17:00 / Children’s corner: childcare, face painting and creative workshops

Cultural performances:

11:00–22:00 / Music program in the village streets

12:00–22:00 / Suho cvetje, musical group (performing in the streets)

NORTHERN SQUARE

13:00 / Živa nit Folklore Group (Italy)

15:00 / Official opening of the St Martin’s Day celebration

Welcome address by Franc Mužič, Mayor of the Municipality of Brda
Blessing of the young wine by Mel Kovic, chaplain and vicar
Srečko Kumar, men’s choir

16:00 / Oktet Sotočje, male vocal octet

17:00 / Briški kvintet, musical group

18:00 / Gugutke, musical group

SOUTHERN SQUARE

14:00 / Živa nit, Folklore Group (Italy)

16:00 / Brda Wind Orchestra

18:00 / Briški kvintet, musical group

19:00 / Kranjci, musical group

WORKSHOPS, EXHIBITION AND ROUND TABLE

10:00–19:00 / Exhibition DI ME TIST PAALC! – An exhibition of handcrafted walking sticks by Zdravko Lenardič from Šmartno (Galerija Zale & Pepe).

12:00–18:00 / Presentation of participating winemakers (Pršutera)

12:00–18:00 / Olive oil tasting organised by the Brda Olive Growers’ Association

13:00 / Traditional tarcenti and martinci making workshop (Zofina hiša)

2nd–15th November 2026 / Travelling exhibition: Local grape varieties of the Goriška Region (near St Martin’s Church)

Admission:

€20 – Admission package including a tasting glass and bag, a sample of young wine, free bus transport and workshops
€5 – Admission fee for visitors who do not purchase the tasting glass package
Free admission for children and young people up to the age of 15

Bringing your own tasting glass is not permitted.

Tickets can only be purchased at the ticket office in the village of Šmartno.

The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the programme.

On Saturday, a circular bus service will operate throughout Brda, as well as on the Nova Gorica – Šmartno – Nova Gorica route.

Dogs are not permitted on buses.

SUNDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 2026 (10:00–19:00)

08:00 / St Martin’s Day Hike, exploring the cultural heritage and food and wine traditions of Brda

10:00–19:00 / Stalls selling local products and produce

11:00–19:00 / Wine tastings in the wine cellars of Šmartno

11:00–19:00 / A varied selection of food and traditional St Martin’s Day specialities

11:00–19:00 / Roasting of chestnuts

11:00–17:00 / Outdoor painting event organised by the Dablo Art Society

11:00–17:00 / Children’s corner: childcare, face painting and creative workshops

Cultural performances

11:00–19:00 / Music program in the village streets

11:00–19:00 / Suho cvetje, musical ensemble

11:00–17:00 / Ne joči pevec, musical group

NORTHERN SQUARE

13:00 / Vipava Folklore Group

13:30 / Association of the Slovenian Order of Wine Knights – Primorska Legatura

13:45 / Pituralke – traditional preparation of pears, Kojsko Pensioners’ Association

15:00 / Folklore Group Caprivese di Michele Grion (Italy)

16:00 / Tince, dance performance

17:00 / Klapa Karatel, male vocal group

SOUTHERN SQUARE

12:00 / Vipava Folklore Group

14:00 / Folklore Group Caprivese di Michele Grion (Italy)

16:00 / Klapa Karatel, male vocal group

WORKSHOPS, EXHIBITION AND TRADITIONS