May 1st is a special day in Slovenia. On the eve of May Day, great bonfires – kresovi – are lit across the country, and whole villages gather around them. The tradition has deep historical roots, connected with welcoming spring, community and May Day celebrations.

At night, the sight is very special. Standing beside the fire is one thing, but travelling through Slovenia and seeing kresovi glowing from village to village, scattered across the hills and valleys, gives the whole country a different kind of vibe.

Today, the tradition is also about keeping that sense of community alive – gathering with friends, neighbours and family, sharing stories, enjoying local food and wine, and simply being part of something that generations before us also celebrated.

It is a moment when history, landscape and people come together around the same fire – and perhaps that is why the tradition still feels so alive.