The Ljubljana City Council voted last week to ban spontaneous street performances with musical instruments, a decision that will remain in effect until the end of December. The proposal came from Mayor Zoran Janković and takes effect immediately, removing popular street trumpeters from the streets of the Slovenian capital, reports 24ur.com.
The discussion was sparked by city councilor Maruša Babnik of the Slovenian Democratic Party. She warned that Ljubljana, unlike other European cities that proudly showcase their cultural heritage and set up Christmas displays during Advent, does not sufficiently nurture its own traditions.
“The City Municipality of Ljubljana, during the holiday season, allows the favoring of Balkan music—trumpeters who have nothing to do with Ljubljana, Slovenian cultural identity, or Christmas traditions,” Babnik stated, suggesting that the city is ashamed of its own culture.
On the other hand, Ana Lampič, Deputy Director of Tourism Ljubljana, defended the city’s program, emphasizing that it includes numerous elements of Slovenian tradition, such as the Miklavž Parade, nativity scenes, and the Christmas concert.
“Visitors experience Ljubljana as an open, lively, and culturally rich European capital. Street musicians, including trumpeters, are not part of the official December program,” Lampič highlighted.
Mayor Janković proposed the ban on spontaneous street performances and immediately initiated a vote, causing confusion among councilors.
The vote was repeated at the request of councilors, and the decision was ultimately adopted with 25 in favor and six against.
“That doesn’t mean they can play for two hours at one end of the city and then at the other. They are no longer allowed to perform,” Janković clarified, adding that the city inspectorate has already fined some musicians.
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Accusations of Intolerance
The decision did not pass without criticism. City councilor Vesna Denis Striković argued that the vote was invalid, claiming such a ban could only be introduced by amending the existing regulation, not through this kind of resolution. She called the entire process an act of intolerance toward the trumpeters.
Janković rejected the objections, explaining that this is not an amendment to the regulation on special use of public spaces, but a resolution aligned with it, which the existing regulation allows.
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Source: Euronews, Foto: Pixabay