Ljubljana celebrated its liberation on May 9, 2025, marking 1495 days of waiting. The city was adorned with flowers and flags, as residents prepared for this historic day by sewing flags, making banners, and gathering food and cigarettes for the fighters who had endured the long occupation. This year’s celebration was particularly poignant, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, which commemorates the end of World War II in Europe.
The formal session at Ljubljana Castle brought together municipal and state leaders, including Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob, who participated in the festivities. During the session, significant awards were presented to individuals and organizations that have made notable contributions to the city’s life. Among the honored were Milena Zupančič and Danilo Türk, who were officially declared honorary citizens of Ljubljana.
Milena Zupančič, a prominent actress and former UNICEF ambassador, expressed her deep connection to Ljubljana. "I don’t imagine that from the stage we change the world. But I am convinced that we make people more tolerant, more cultured, and more open-minded. Without this, there’s no happy, relaxed, and open community," she stated during her acceptance speech. She reflected on her love for the city, recalling how it transformed from dark and empty streets to vibrant and bustling ones filled with tourists.
Danilo Türk, a former president of Slovenia, highlighted the role of Ljubljana in fostering Slovenian identity. He remarked, "I see Ljubljana as a city of the future and great potential. This potential is worth nurturing, as history never ends. We must trust the new generations who have a future ahead of them and a potential that we will leave behind." Türk also shared his experiences living in the United States, contrasting it with Slovenia, where he noted a tendency for self-doubt among Slovenians. He encouraged the mayor to promote Ljubljana not just as the most beautiful city in the world, but as the best city for its residents.
Mayor Zoran Janković emphasized the importance of peace in his speech, stating that Ljubljana stands as a city that fought against fascism and Nazism. He recalled the motto "Never again," reflecting on the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and called for dialogue over war. "It is better to negotiate for a thousand days than to have one day of unnecessary war," he urged.
The mayor also made several announcements regarding the city’s development plans. He mentioned the construction of a new incinerator with a chimney projected to reach 200 meters, which will include a climbing wall and a viewing platform at its peak. Additionally, Janković revealed that the foundation stone for the Emonika tower will be laid on May 19, 2025, and construction of a new underpass on Šmartinska Street is expected to begin by the end of 2026. He also noted that the contractor for the ŽAK athletic center has been selected, with hopes that Ljubljana might host Diamond League meetings if the center is built according to plan.
The day’s events were a testament to the resilience and spirit of Ljubljana’s citizens, who have waited nearly 15 centuries for this moment of liberation and celebration. As the city continues to grow and evolve, the memories of its past serve as a reminder of the struggles faced and the victories achieved.
In addition to the liberation festivities, the city paid homage to the 80th anniversary of the fall of the barbed wire that had surrounded Ljubljana for over 1170 days during World War II. This historical context added depth to the celebrations, reminding attendees of the sacrifices made for freedom.
Overall, the 2025 liberation celebration was not just a commemoration of past struggles but also a look towards the future of Ljubljana. With leaders from various sectors coming together to honor the city’s history and its promising future, the event reinforced a sense of unity and purpose among its citizens.
