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 Jankovi\u0107 and takes effect immediately, removing popular street trumpeters from the streets of the Slovenian capital, reports 24ur.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The discussion was sparked by city councilor Maru\u0161a 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe City Municipality of Ljubljana, during the holiday season, allows the favoring of Balkan music\u2014trumpeters who have nothing to do with Ljubljana, Slovenian cultural identity, or Christmas traditions,\u201d Babnik stated, suggesting that the city is ashamed of its own culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, Ana Lampi\u010d, Deputy Director of Tourism Ljubljana, defended the city\u2019s program, emphasizing that it includes numerous elements of Slovenian tradition, such as the Miklav\u017e Parade, nativity scenes, and the Christmas concert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVisitors experience Ljubljana as an open, lively, and culturally rich European capital. Street musicians, including trumpeters, are not part of the official December program,\u201d Lampi\u010d highlighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mayor Jankovi\u0107 proposed the ban on spontaneous street performances and immediately initiated a vote, causing confusion among councilors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The vote was repeated at the request of councilors, and the decision was ultimately adopted with 25 in favor and six against.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat doesn\u2019t 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,\u201d Jankovi\u0107 clarified, adding that the city inspectorate has already fined some musicians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n