THE Baikan country of Slovenia may be small in size but is big in culture. A mountainous country, it enjoys an Alpine climate in the northwest. There, the local shepherds take advantage of the mild summers to take their cattle up to graze in the mountains of the Julian Alps. As summer draws to a close around mid-September, they return to the valley. The homecoming of the cows celebrated in Bohinj valley with a unique traditional festival called Kravji Bai or Cow Ball.

Usually held around September 15-20, the main festivities take place in the village of Ukanc. Shepherds march down the village road with their prized livestock as spectators look on with admiration. The heroes of the event, the cows, are beautifully decorated with flowers, wreaths and bells.

Revellers enjoy the weekend party with folk music and dance and folklore performances. Foodies can delight in the delicious fare exhibited by local dairies and cheese makers. In recent times, organisers have also included a cycling marathon and 4-km hike to the nearby Savica Waterfall.

FYI

THE Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest performing fountain system. It has a unique design comprising five circles of varying sizes and two arcs. Set over the 30-acre man-made Burj Khalifa Lake, the gigantic fountain performs to a range of classical songs from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.