The Gratitude Day of the Blind and Partially Sighted of Slovenia has been the most well-attended meeting of the blind and partially sighted for the past seven years, drawing each year around 300 participants from across Slovenia.
It originated in 2010 from the civil initiative to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted of Slovenia. We felt that such an anniversary had to include a public expression of gratitude. Back then a mass of gratitude was held to thank the founders of the Union, our colleagues, guides, and supporters who help us overcome the loss of sight. The following year, a cultural programme was added to the mass, where we, the blind and partially sighted, show our talents. The event is held in a different town or city each year.
In 2015 the cultural programme included the exhibition of paintings and literature created by our members. So the initial public expression of gratitude grew into a Gratitude Day of the Blind and Partially Sighted of Slovenia.
Our Gratitude Day mirrors the relationship of the blind and partially sighted to others and the world: it preserves the grateful memory of good people, expresses respect to friends, encourages collaboration, and harmony between us and society.
This celebration that arose from a civil initiative makes us all proud. The events are organised by volunteers and held each year at the end of May, right before the Week of the Blind and Partially Sighted. This year it will take place on Saturday, 27 May, at Brezje, Slovenia's national shrine.
Marinka Drinovec