NewsŽlikrofi for all!
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Žlikrofi for all!

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Last Saturday, more than 4000 enthusiasts of Idrija žlikrofi once again filled Mejca Park in Idrija, which hosted the Festival of Idrija žlikrofi – an event that showcases the richness of flavors that Idrija žlikrofi can offer every year.

This year, the vendors offered 28 different servings, which added variety to the traditional taste of Idrija žlikrofi. In addition to the established versions with bakalca (mutton stew), goulash, and pork cracklings, this year’s offerings were particularly diverse. Both the taste and the eyes were delighted by colorful žlikrofi with truffles, hazelnuts, and Parmesan, reviving almost forgotten traditions with rabbit in sauce, and positively surprising with Idrija žlikrofi prepared in a Pad Thai style. There were also žlikrofi for vegans, vegetarians, and those without gluten, as well as žlikrofi with a filling of sour turnip or žlikrofi made from buckwheat flour.

Blending the traditional with the innovative

In the preparation of dishes with Idrija žlikrofi, MasterChef Slovenia contestant Brina Robinik Kobal tried her hand at preparing žlikrofi with chicken bakalca, while Klemen Skubic, former host of the show “Šef doma,” served žlikrofi with beef cheeks and carrot cream. In memory of their friend, mentor, and expert in Idrija žlikrofi, Boštjan Novak, the raclette sauce quickly sold out—just like the one he prepared for the festival in 2017 when the organization was first taken over by a new team.

Visitors were delighted by Idrija žlikrofi combined with Pad Thai sauce. (Photo: Marko Čuk)

The festival, blending the traditional with the innovative, is becoming a popular gathering for all generations, especially families from all over Slovenia and abroad, who seize this opportunity to visit Idrija. This year, we prepared a rich program for children – Tina Zadnik presented a kamishibai theater performance about the famous Scopoli, and numerous children had the chance to participate in various games organized by the Youth Center Idrija. Face painting and a trampoline further complemented the diverse program.

A rich creative program

This year’s edition, in addition to the gastronomic offerings, also featured a creative program. Visitors tried their hand at making Idrija žlikrofi, crafting a “leather žlikrof” (under the guidance of Urška Pirc), and weaving on a loom (led by Alenka Rupnik). ID20 Institute and Youth Center Idrija took the opportunity to present the Common Good and Curae projects, carried out under the Erasmus+ program, to a wider audience. The City Museum of Idrija rounded off the event with cultural programming, including a repeat performance of the play about the smuggler “Melhiorca” and guided tours of Idrija’s landmarks.

Brave participants also had the opportunity to face the challenge of making Idrija žlikrofi. (Photo: Marko Čuk)

Following the morning cooking competition of venison bakalca, in which eight hunting association competed, the expert jury announced the winner: the hunting association from Most na Soči.

Prepaid cards with numerous advantages

The novelty was the changed payment method, as food and beverage coupons were replaced by prepaid cards. This change aims to shorten queues, facilitate food distribution, enable greater variety in offerings, and provide a comprehensive festival experience. After the festival, prepaid cards remain as benefit cards, offering visitors more advantages when visiting the cultural heritage sites in Idrija.

The sign “Žlikrofi” stood out. (Photo: Marko Čuk)

At the event, the organizers and the City Museum of Idrija also collected donations for the restoration of the Partisan Hospital Franja and the Slovenian Red Cross, primarily in response to the recent flash flood.

The evening was concluded by Ansambl Ikebana, which, in an acoustic and smaller formation compared to Suho cvetje, enthralled the audience throughout the day and entertained visitors who sat on the grass in the full Mejca park. Thus, the event, co-financed by the Municipality of Idrija and the Local Community of the City of Idrija, sponsored by NLB – Nova Ljubljanska Banka, Elektro Primorska, Spar Slovenija, and Birton, successfully proved that Idrija žlikrofi are indeed for every taste.

The visitors were entertained by the ensemble Suho Cvetje, which transformed into Ansamb Ikebana in the evening. (Photo: Marko Čuk)

The already established concept with a diverse offer of žlikrofi, related dishes such as štruklji, good drinks, as well as accompanying cultural and creative programs, and activities for children has once again been confirmed as authentic.