by InTrieste
In a community known for its rich traditions and vibrant cultural life, the town of Opicina is preparing to once again honor its patron saint, St. Bartholomew the Apostle, with a week-long celebration that promises to bring together residents and visitors in a lively display of faith, music, and camaraderie.
Beginning on Monday, August 19, and running through Sunday, August 25, the festivities will be centered around the picturesque Parish of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, nestled on Via di Prosecco. This annual event, eagerly anticipated by the community, will feature a diverse array of activities designed to engage all ages, from the devout to the casually curious.
The celebration will open with a performance by Aleksander Ipavec, a world-renowned accordionist and native of Opicina, whose mastery of the instrument has garnered him international acclaim. He will be joined by guitarist Marko Feri, and together, they will serenade the audience in Ipavec’s traditional Karst courtyard, a setting that evokes the timeless charm of this region.
As the week unfolds, the festival will offer an eclectic mix of events. Tuesday, August 20, will see the return of the popular chess tournament, organized by the Trieste Chess Academy. This event, which caters to all skill levels, will include free lessons for children, followed by a competitive tournament where participants will vie for top honors.
The musical offerings will continue on Wednesday, August 21, with a performance by Denis Novato, the World Champion of diatonic accordion, who will perform with his trio on the church’s grounds. His repertoire, a blend of original compositions and beloved folk tunes, is expected to draw a large crowd.
For the younger attendees, Friday and Saturday afternoons will feature a range of entertainment, including inflatable structures, face painting, and the antics of a local magician known simply as Ernesto. In a gesture of community spirit, all children present on Saturday will receive a free ice cream courtesy of Gelateria Arnoldo, a beloved local institution.
Saturday, August 24, marks the feast day of St. Bartholomew, and the community will gather for an outdoor Mass under the ancient chestnut tree that stands as a silent witness to centuries of worship. This bilingual service, conducted in both Italian and Slovenian, reflects the multicultural fabric of Opicina and will feature choral performances by the Sv. Jernej choir and the ensemble “He Who Sings, Prays Twice.”
Following the Mass, Vinko Skerlavaj, the church’s organist who is celebrating 50 years of service, will host a reception on the church grounds, offering refreshments in a gesture of gratitude for the community’s enduring support.
The week’s festivities will culminate on Sunday, August 25, with a solemn Mass in Slovenian at 9:30 AM, followed by a procession around the church grounds, bringing a fitting close to a week that blends the sacred and the celebratory in a uniquely Opicina fashion.
