The initiative was also supported by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and, after years of efforts, a resolution was unanimously adopted within the Economic and Financial Committee of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to proclaim 20 May as World Bee Day.
You are invited to various events in May related to bees and pollinators.
Together with the members of the Bee Path, a diverse programme has been prepared:
Exhibition on Bees – Guardians of the Earth
When: From 6 May onwards (until 31 May)
Where: University of Ljubljana Botanical Garden, Ižanska cesta Street 15, Ljubljana
What: The photo collection Guardians of the Earth (2020–2025) is a series of documentary photographs in macro technique with a focus on naturalism. The main artistic theme is wild bees in Slovenia. The author highlights the symbolism of the bee and its time on Earth, exploring the deep connection between humans and bees through different photographic perspectives and approaches. He creates portraits of wild bees and, through the camera lens, depicts scenes from their lives. The harmony of colours and light leads the photographer through endless blossoms, where bees live out their grand worlds.
Organiser: University of Ljubljana Botanical Garden
Contact: [email protected]
Viewing of the Beehives on the Roof of Cankarjev dom
When: 19 May at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Cankarjev dom (Meeting point at the CD reception – entrance from Prešernova cesta Street), Ljubljana
What: A tour of the beehives on the roof of Cankarjev dom (guided by Franc Petrovčič, CD beekeeper)
Organiser: Cankarjev dom
Registration: [email protected]
Silvestres (Wilding/Back to Nature)
documentary film, Portugal, 2024, 54 minutes
When: 19 May at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Cankarjev dom (Kosovel Hall), Prešernova cesta Street 10, Ljubljana
What: A documentary by directors and producers Carolina Castro Almeida and Miguel Cortes Costa. After the screening, Blanka Ravnjak from the Botanical Garden will hold a discussion on environmental topics. Free tickets.
Organiser: Cankarjev dom
Celebration of World Bee Day
When: 20 May, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Stritarjeva ulica Street, Ljubljana
What: Since 2018, when the United Nations declared 20 May as World Bee Day upon Slovenia’s initiative, this important event is celebrated in Ljubljana as well. This year, beekeepers will present bee products, children will enjoy candle-making workshops using beeswax sheets, Hartman Bookstore will offer books on bees and pollinators, and visitors can enjoy honey biscuits and honey tasting.
Organiser: City of Ljubljana, Department for Environmental Protection, Rural Development Section
Presentation of Beehive Panels
When: 20 May, and also every Friday and Saturday
Where: Ljubljana Central Market (Plečnik's Arcades, by the entrance to the Fish Market), Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje Embankment, Ljubljana
What: A display of beehive panels and other wooden honey-related products (honey whisks, spoons, containers)
Organiser: Jana Trade d.o.o.
Contact: [email protected]
World Bee Day Commemoration
When: 20 May
Where: University of Ljubljana Botanical Garden, Ižanska cesta Street 15, Ljubljana
What: A stand introducing the Botanical Garden and a guided walk highlighting native nectar-producing plants
Organiser: University of Ljubljana Botanical Garden
Contact: [email protected]
Self-Guided Tour of the Permanent Exhibition on Banking and Beekeeping Symbols – Half Price Entry
When: 20 May
Where: MUZA Museum and Gallery, Čopova ulica Street 3, Ljubljana
What: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, banking was often represented using bee-related symbols – hives, bees, and beekeepers – both in Slovenia and globally. Many such items are on display in MUZA’s permanent exhibition. Explore savings boxes, passbooks, and other banking artefacts adorned with beekeeping symbolism, including a building sign.
Organiser: MUZA Museum and Gallery
Contact: [email protected], +386 (0)1 476 43 12
Open Day at the Medeni studio ("Honey studio")
When: 20 May, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: "Medeni studio – Garage", Dolenjska cesta Street 64, Ljubljana
What: Open Day in celebration of World Bee Day. Elderly residents from DCA Rudnik will observe a bee colony in a viewing hive, learn about the life of bees, and taste various types of honey and honey biscuits.
Organiser: Gordana Vidić Beekeeping
Contact: Gordana Vidić, [email protected], +386 (0)70 170 444
Biodiversity Day
When: 22 May
Where: University of Ljubljana Botanical Garden, Ižanska cesta Street 15, Ljubljana
What: Presentation of plant diversity and biodiversity, including a showcase of nectar-producing plants and their relationship with pollinators. More information is available on the Botanical Garden’s website.
Organiser: University of Ljubljana Botanical Garden
Contact: [email protected]
Bee Swarms in Ljubljana
When: 27 May at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Info Point Mission 100, Pogačarjev trg Square 3, Ljubljana
What: In Ljubljana, due to the abundance of green spaces, bees thrive. Over 4,500 colonies live in the city. Between April and June, they often swarm. Swarming is one of the most majestic events in the life of a bee colony – a large part of the worker bees, together with the old queen, leave the hive and seek a new home. A swarm in flight can contain an average of 16,000 bees, sometimes over 50,000. What happens when a swarm lands on a tree in the city or under the roof of a tall building? Join us for this fascinating talk.
Neighbours’ Day in the Trnovo District
When: 27 May at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Garden of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Kolezijska ulica Street 1, Ljubljana
What: Performances by choirs of the Trnovo and Vič Pensioners’ Associations, pupils from Livada Primary School, and members of the Barje Beekeeping Association. The event will revolve around the theme of health and bees.
Organiser: Trnovo Pensioners’ Association and Trnovo District Community – in cooperation with ČD Barje
Contact: Trnovo Pensioners’ Association, email: [email protected]; president Mirko Jarc, tel.: +386 (0)31 366 333
Every Saturday in May, on World Bee Day (Tuesday, 20 May), and on the first Saturday of each month (up to and including October), a free guided tour of the Bee Path also takes place.
