Every year, just before the end of July, a unique and magical event known as Lights on Bled takes place on the idyllic Lake Bled. This event, which has been attracting locals and visitors from around the world for more than half a century, represents the highlight of Bled Days and is an indispensable part of the summer vibe at Lake Bled.
This year, the event will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2024. On this day, volunteers gather to adorn Lake Bled with thousands of lights placed in eggshells.
Where did the idea come from?
The idea and execution of these lights date back to the distant past, as local resident Andrej Vidic has been making them for over five decades. The tradition of making lights, or candles in eggshells, was actually started by his father in 1972.
As a maintenance worker at Park Hotel, Andrej’s father first experimented with lights made from eggshells in 1972, which he floated on Lake Bled. He used candles that were left unused in the hotel. The exact origin of this tradition is not known, but it is rumored that the idea came from a Swiss guest. This first attempt was apparently so magical that it established a tradition, although Vidic admits that he didn’t like it much at first. As a young man, he had other ideas for spending his free time.
“Well, then I started making the lights at night,” he laughs. “I’m the kind of person who, if I promise something, I do it! Soon, however, I fell in love with it and it became a part of me…”
The preparation of these lights requires several months of meticulous work, where the confectioners of the company Conditus carefully separate the eggshells while preparing their delicious cream slices. The shells need to be cracked in such a way that only the top is broken off and more than half of the shell remains intact.
Event on Lake Bled during Bled Days
The setting of the lights begins at 9 PM on the day of the event and takes about an hour and a half to place all the candles. They use all the boats from the castle bathhouse, and around 40 volunteers participate. Since the water is cold, the candles burn slowly. The next day, divers come to collect them from the lake.
As it gets dark, the magical moment begins when Lake Bled is illuminated by these natural candles. Each light symbolizes the gentleness and care with which they are made, bringing a unique peace and fairy-tale quality. The surface of the lake glows and shines in the light of the candles.
Bled Days Programme:
19.7.:
- 17:00 – Culinary weekend: Cocktail by the lake, Lakeside Promenade
- 19:00 – Friday Chill Out: DJ Kuky, Lakeside Promenade
- 20:30 – Concert on the lake: FLIRRT, Grandstand, Velika Zaka
20.7.:
- 17:00 – Culinary weekend: Cocktail by the lake, Lakeside Promenade
- 18:00 – 20:00 – JAMirkoSESSIONS, Jaka Birsa, Damaris Potočnik, Lakeside Promenade
- 20:00 – 21:30 – Maja Keuc with band, Lakeside Promenade
- 21:00 – Candle lights on Lake Bled, Bled Lake
- 21:50 – 22:10 – A musical surprise on the water, Lakeside Promenade
- 22:10 – 24:00 – JAMirkoSESSIONS, Jaka Birsa, Damaris Potočnik, Lakeside Promenade
21.7.:
- 17:00 – Culinary weekend: Cocktail by the lake, Lakeside Promenade
- 20:00 – Etnomad, Lakeside Promenade
Fair of Local and Artistic Crafts
In addition to the main event on the lake, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the evening, a rich fair of local and artistic crafts takes place in the Spa Park. The diverse products of Slovenian craftsmen and artists attract visitors, who have the opportunity to purchase unique items and learn about traditional and contemporary craft techniques. Admission to the fair is free, allowing all visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere and enrich their knowledge of local creators.
