The Ljubljana Coffee Festival, a premier event celebrating Slovenia’s specialty-coffee culture, returns this September 2024. Join us as we explore its rich program designed for coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Photos courtesy of Ljubljana Coffee Festival
The Ljubljana Coffee Festival, an annual celebration dedicated to the art and culture of coffee, returns to the heart of Slovenia’s capital this September. Since its debut in 2016, the festival has grown into the most significant event in Slovenia’s coffee industry, drawing enthusiasts and professionals from across Europe. This year’s festival will take place September 21 and 22 at the Ljubljana City Museum.
The festival is a testament to Slovenia’s burgeoning coffee culture, providing a platform for coffee lovers to explore the rich and diverse world of specialty coffee. Attendees will have the chance to engage in unlimited coffee tastings, attend expert-led lectures and workshops, and witness exciting competitions featuring top baristas. Let’s find out what the organizers have in store for us!
Festival Highlights: Competitions, Tastings, and More
The Ljubljana Coffee Festival has come a long way since its inception in 2016. Initially conceived as a tribute to Ljubljana’s growing coffee culture, the festival has evolved into a cornerstone event for the coffee industry in Slovenia and beyond. Over the years, it has significantly contributed to the development and recognition of Slovenia’s specialty-coffee scene, attracting both local and international attention.
The festival promises an array of exciting attractions and events, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees. Here are some of the key highlights:
Barista Battle Challenge and Latte Art Throwdown
The Barista Battle Challenge is a thrilling competition where baristas from across Europe showcase their creativity, skill, and precision in four demanding disciplines: latte art, order precision, cupping expertise, and crafting a signature drink.
The Latte Art Throwdown, on the other hand, is a knockout tournament focused on the art of drawing with milk on coffee. Baristas will compete to create the most intricate and beautiful latte art, with a substantial cash prize for the winner.
Sensory Room and The Lab
The Sensory Room offers a unique opportunity for participants to taste some of the best coffees from around the world. Guided by premier coffee importers from Europe, Central and South America, and Africa, attendees will explore the diverse flavors and aromas of specialty coffee, gaining a deeper appreciation for the nuances that distinguish different coffee varieties.
The Lab is another cornerstone of the festival, featuring a curated series of expert lectures. This year, The Lab will bring together scientists, coffee farm owners, and World Barista Champions to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the specialty-coffee industry. Topics will range from advanced brewing techniques to sustainable coffee farming practices, providing invaluable knowledge for both industry professionals and coffee enthusiasts.
Panel Forum: Specialty Coffee & Haute Cuisine
One of the most eagerly anticipated events at this year’s Ljubljana Coffee Festival is the Panel Forum on Specialty Coffee & Haute Cuisine. This insightful discussion will delve into the intricate relationship between high-quality coffee and gourmet cuisine, exploring how these two worlds intersect and enhance each other.
The Panel Forum will bring together a distinguished lineup of speakers, including renowned chefs, coffee professionals, and industry experts. Among the notable participants are acclaimed chefs known for integrating specialty coffee into their culinary creations, and scientists who will share the latest research on coffee’s flavor profiles and its pairing potential with various foods. Discussions will cover a range of topics such as the role of coffee in fine dining, innovative ways to incorporate coffee into recipes, and future trends in coffee and gastronomy.
Roaster Village
At the heart of the Ljubljana Coffee Festival is the Roaster Village, a vibrant hub where international and Slovenian exhibitors from the specialty-coffee industry come together to showcase their exceptional offerings. This central location is a must-visit for anyone passionate about coffee, as it provides a unique opportunity to explore a diverse array of products and services, ranging from barista equipment to exquisite ceramic cups.
Visitors will have the chance to interact with some of the world’s best roasters, learn about their processes, and sample their finest brews. This immersive experience is designed to deepen attendees’ appreciation for the complexity and diversity of specialty coffee.
In addition to the international exhibitors, the Slovenian Roasters’ Place within the Roaster Village highlights the talent and innovation of local coffee roasters. This dedicated space is a testament to the burgeoning specialty-coffee scene in Slovenia, offering visitors the opportunity to discover and enjoy the best coffees the country has to offer.
Experience Slovenia’s Premier Coffee Event
Since its debut in 2016, the Ljubljana Coffee Festival has been a gift to the city, showcasing the rich tapestry of Slovenia’s specialty-coffee scene. What began with a modest community of coffee enthusiasts has grown into a significant event that draws attention from across Europe.
If you want to learn more about the festival and purchase tickets, visit the official website. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary event!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.
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