The City Promenade in Brežice is a perfect example of how a traditional summer event can grow into a high-profile green story and a sustainable way of thinking.
It is a well-thought-out story in which environmental responsibility, respect for the local area, and community cooperation all intertwine. Every detail has its purpose, and every step carries its own weight.
Tips for visitors
At the City Promenade, sustainability isn’t hidden away in regulations, but clearly communicated through the entire experience. Upon arrival, visitors receive simple, easy-to-understand tips on how they can contribute to a more responsible event.
These are small decisions that everyone can make, without complicated rules or feeling restricted.
Simple steps for a better experience
Visitors are encouraged to:
- fill up with water at the drinking fountain, which is shaped like the water tower, and avoid plastic bottles,
- use reusable bottles, which can also be purchased at the venue,
- separate their waste and dispose of it at the clearly marked recycling points,
- turn to the friendly Green Rangers in case of doubt, who can help with correct sorting,
- use public infrastructure,
- participate in the returnable cup system, where they receive their deposit back upon return.
Instead of commands and warnings, the promenade builds on friendly, inclusive communication. Recycling points are clearly marked, bins are noticeable and easy to understand, and additional messages remind visitors of good practices as they go.
Volunteers also play an important role, helping to create a positive experience.
Local food and drink
The culinary story of the Brežice City Promenade is based on the simple but important principle that local comes first.
By involving local caterers, producers and winemakers, a short food supply chain is established, which means more freshness, more authenticity and more trust.
Visitors don’t just get a meal; they are also given authentic and direct contact with the people who create it.
A day dedicated to local pride
The opening day holds a special place, as it is entirely dedicated to the providers of the Brežice Selection collective trademark. This is when caterers, who build the destination’s identity through quality and dedication, present their dishes.
Wine as part of the story
An important part of the culinary experience is the wine corner, where local wines are showcased. Visitors can taste, learn about and experience the region’s wine culture in a relaxed and accessible environment.
Local products
The Brežice City Promenade also opens its doors to local artisans and creators, who showcase their products at the stalls.
For many creators, this is an important opportunity to connect with new visitors and potential buyers. The Promenade thus becomes a platform where creativity and the audience meet.
Supporting the local economy
By including local products, the development of small businesses, crafts and entrepreneurship is encouraged. Customers take home more than just a product; they take a piece of the local identity.
In a world of mass production, such products stand out precisely because of their uniqueness. At the Brežice City Promenade, visitors have the chance to learn about the creation process, talk to the creators and understand the value of handmade work.
Involving the local community
The Brežice City Promenade is the result of cooperation between numerous individuals, associations and providers. It is this very connection that gives the event its special character.
Local food providers, artisans, associations and creators are all included in the event. Locals have the opportunity for a free presentation, which opens doors to new opportunities and encourages active participation.
At the Brežice City Promenade sports, cultural and other associations present themselves, bringing their activities closer to visitors and inviting them to get involved.
A programme created by joining forces
A large part of the programme is created in collaboration with the local community. Dance evenings, performances by associations and other activities are the result of collective creativity.
The Posavje Museum Brežice is also involved in the event, hosting part of the programme and further connecting cultural heritage with the vibrant city pulse.
Supporting local talent
Local musicians and creators also play an important role, shaping the identity of the event with their performances. Local artists also participate in creative workshops, such as Wine and Paint, giving visitors a hands-on creative experience.
Awards
The Brežice City Promenade builds its sustainable story thoughtfully, step by step. The commitment to the environment hasn’t just stayed as words; the organisers signed a green pledge and began introducing concrete changes that have now become an integral part of the event.
The event boasts the title of a ‘zero waste event in progress’, which ranks it among the most advanced sustainable events in Slovenia.
One of the key features of the promenade is the precise monitoring of results. Every evening, all waste fractions are weighed separately, providing clear insight into how successful the event is at reducing its environmental impact.
Shared responsibility for everyone involved
Sustainability at the promenade isn’t just the task of an individual, but a shared commitment. Both vendors and visitors are included in the system of waste separation and responsible waste management.
By taking part, vendors accept guidelines for sustainable operation, while visitors become part of the story through clear communication and support at the venue.
Results that speak for themselves
This approach brings concrete results. In 2025, over nine days, visitors generated only 0.04 kg of waste per person, and the separate collection rate reached 97.3%. The share of separately collected waste thus reaches an exceptionally high level, while the amount of mixed waste remains minimal, confirming that even a larger event can operate almost waste-free.
Location and transport
The City Promenade takes place in the old town centre of Brežice, which is closed to traffic during the event and becomes a space for people.
This decision alone reduces the traffic burden and creates a more pleasant, safe and calm environment for visitors.
For visitors arriving by car, organised parking is available near the venue, namely on and under the bridge, at Brežice Market, along Cesta prvih borcev, and at Brežice Youth Centre.
Such an arrangement encourages visitors to complete the final part of their journey on foot. In this way, even the arrival at the event becomes part of the experience.
Use of sustainable routes
Brežice is also well connected by rail, which enables arrival without a car. A city bus runs from the railway station to the town centre, bringing visitors comfortably close to the venue.
Many locals head to the promenade by bicycle. Bicycle racks are available, encouraging more sustainable forms of mobility and reducing traffic in the town centre.
Waste reduction
At the Brežice City Promenade, clearly marked recycling points are set up throughout the venue, each with visible signs and flags that guide visitors towards correct waste separation.
At every step, it is clear where everything belongs. A key role in this is played by the friendly Green Rangers, individuals who help visitors with waste separation and answer any questions.
A special feature of the promenade is that waste is weighed every evening, with each fraction measured separately. This way, organisers closely monitor how successful they are in reducing waste and improving separation.
The results show an exceptionally high level of separation and a very small share of mixed waste, confirming that the system works.
Responsibility on the part of vendors
The sustainable approach also includes the vendors. By participating, they accept the guidelines and sign a commitment to waste reduction, meaning that sustainability begins right with the preparation of their offering.
Additionally, audio messages and jingles contribute to awareness, reminding visitors of the correct steps to take as they go.
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