Recognized as one of the oldest and largest open-air festivals in Central Europe, the Maribor Theatre Festival Lent boasts a rich tradition that has been alive for over thirty years. Every June, Maribor’s medieval Lent district by the Drava River, along with the historic squares, charming streets of the Old Town, and the city park, morph into dynamic festival venues teeming with art, culture, and creativity.
Festival Lent is a grand celebration of arts and culture across genres and generations. It stands as a platform for discovery, learning, and interaction amidst diverse cultures. The festival incorporates five notable sub-festivals: the internationally acclaimed CIOFF festival Folkart, JazzLent, the Ana Desetnica street theatre festival, Art Camp festival of creativity, and StandUpLent festival.
Given the proximity of festival venues, attendees can easily stroll from one location to another. The eclectic program appeals to a wide audience, from the young to the old. Festival Lent features opera and ballet performances, theatre, dance, jazz concerts, classical music concerts, world music, singer-songwriter concerts, chanson and ethno music concerts, folklore evenings, street theatre performances, film screenings, sports activities, and children’s events.
Over the years, the festival has seen performances from music legends like B.B. King, James Brown, Ray Charles, and Stephane Grapelli, and a plethora of internationally celebrated artists.
Integral to the festival’s culture is the term “lentanje,” which captures the essence of meandering through the old town’s streets, hopping between venues, mingling with others, grabbing a bite to eat, enjoying a drink, and immersing oneself in the vibrant festival spirit.