On 28 February 2026, the Italian city of Lonigo held the event Homolje Motives of the Diaspora, organized by the Mladost Cultural Association of Serbs Lonigo.

This festival of folklore, songs and traditions gathered more than 300 performers from Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia and Serbia. The program began with a ceremonial parade through the city center, modeled on the Homolje Motives of Kučevo, in the presence of representatives of local authorities and the mayor, Mr Pier Luigi Giacomello.

At the invitation of the Mladost Cultural Association of Serbs from Lonigo, the event was also attended by the president of the Association of Serbs of Slovenia.

Numerous cultural and artistic societies and associations performed on stage, and the audience enjoyed dances from different parts of Serbia, as well as Vlach dances. Children’s and youth ensembles attracted special attention, confirming that the tradition lives on even among the youngest in the diaspora. Poets also participated in the program, and the event included a shepherdess beauty contest. The 2026 title was won by Nina Vukajlović from Nikola Tesla SES Postojna.

The event ended with the award ceremony and reiterated the importance of preserving unity, tradition and ties to the homeland among Serbs in the diaspora.

Source and photo: Association of Serbs of Slovenia