Prešeren Day is a Slovenian national holiday that takes place on February 8 each year.

The Slovenian cultural holiday also takes place in other Slovene populated areas around the globe. The annual holiday celebrates the success of Slovenian poet France Prešeren and falls on the date of his death. The holiday is also a representation of the accomplishments of talented Slovenians.

Prešeren is one of the most successful Slovenian poets in history. His writing has had considerable influence on the Slovenian culture. His poem “A Toast” reflected his patriotism and is one of his most notable pieces of writing. France Prešeren died in 1849, but despite the poet’s considerable literary achievements, it would be nearly a century before an official holiday was established.

The national Prešeren day holiday became official in 1944 and was declared a nonwork day in 1991. Some people choose to celebrate the holiday on the poet’s birth date, December 3, but the December date is not a noted national holiday. The original sentiment of the holiday was for people to enhance their education by attending cultural events, and many people continue to use the national holiday to focus on cultural education. The poet’s accomplishments continue to be honored today, and in 2007, the likeness ofFrance prešerenwas added to the two-euro Slovenian coin as well as the 1000 tolar banknote.

Other well-known Slovenian writer’s include Srečko Kosovel, Dane Zajc, Drago Jančar, Alojz Rebula and Edvard Kocbek. Prešeren Day is one of 16 annual work free public holidays in Slovenia. All Saints’ Day, Rudolf Maister Day, Assumption Day and Labor Day are some of the other work free holidays celebrated in Slovenia.