Majenca
The ancient spring festival of the 'maj' in Dolina
About Majenca
The maj, the tree of spring
Majenca is one of the most heartfelt and identity-driven festivals in the Trieste Karst, rooted in the ancient Slovenian tradition of the maj, the May tree. In Dolina, a hamlet in the municipality of San Dorligo della Valle, the community gathers every year to celebrate spring, rebirth, and the fertility of the earth, around a large tree that is raised in the center of the village.
Raising and felling the maj
The most anticipated moments are two ritual gestures full of meaning: the raising of the maj tree, accompanied by the band, and a few days later its felling, which closes the festival. Between these two rites, a packed program unfolds that combines Slovenian culture and local identity.
Karst wines, oil, and flavors
Majenca is also a great showcase for local products. At the heart of the event are the historic wine exhibition and the Karst extra virgin oil review, with awards and guided tastings led by experts. The stalls offer grilled food and local wine, in a festive atmosphere that lasts for several days.
Music, exhibitions, and folklore
Each evening features concerts, dances, folk performances, and art and photography exhibitions organized by the local Slovenian cultural associations, including the Vodnik Slovenian Cultural Association. Majenca is an authentic popular festival, perfect for discovering the Slovenian soul of the Karst, just a few kilometers from Trieste, in the green Val Rosandra.
Majenca — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Majenca will be held in Dolina from May 7 to 12. The highlight of the festival is the raising of the maj tree on Saturday, May 9, with the Godba di Sales, and its felling on Tuesday, May 12. This year, the event hosts the 70th wine exhibition and the 29th extra virgin oil review, with awards and guided tastings.
Accompanying the evenings will be live concerts, dances, art and photography exhibitions, and stalls with grills and local wine.
Programme Majenca 2026
Majenca 2026 program in Dolina:
- Thursday, May 7 - 7:00 PM: popular wine tasting (Pastoral Center, Dolina).
- Friday, May 8 - 6:00 PM: exhibition of local artists (Vodnik Slovenian Cultural Association); 6:30 PM: "Kras - Carso" photographic exhibition; 7:00 PM: inauguration of the 70th wine exhibition and 29th oil review with awards; 9:00 PM: concerts (Nervosius and Slëbwoost).
- Saturday, May 9 - 7:00 PM: guided oil tasting (in Slovenian, Torkla oil mill); 8:30 PM: raising of the maj tree with the Godba di Sales.
- Sunday, May 10 - 5:30 PM: concert by the Nabrežina/Aurisina band; 9:00 PM: dancing with Nebojsega.
- Monday, May 11 - 7:00 PM: guided oil tasting (in Italian) with Giacomo Cecotti; 9:00 PM: Dirty Fingers concert.
- Tuesday, May 12 - 6:00 PM: concert by the Breg group; 7:00 PM: felling of the maj tree.
Stalls open from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Friday-Monday), from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Sunday), and from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Tuesday). Reservations required for guided wine tastings at 040 8329245.
Highlights Majenca 2026
Prices Majenca 2026
Practical information — Majenca
How to get there: Dolina is a hamlet of San Dorligo della Valle, reachable by car from Trieste or by public transport lines towards the Karst. Bus routes may be modified during the festival.
Admission: free. Consumption at the stalls. Reservations are required for guided wine tastings (tel. 040 8329245).
When: in May.
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Where does it take place — Majenca
Dolina