Events & Festivals

A deeply rooted tradition in Slovenian peasant cuisine, this hearty winter feast pays homage to humble beginnings and cultural pride. Krvavice (blood sausage) was once staples of rural life—today, it’s a cherished comfort food that brings crowds to The Dom each February. Come hungry. Leave nostalgic.

In the context of Slovenian Shrovetide carnivals, "Masquerade Dance" (or "Masked Dance") refers to the traditional, often elaborate, dances performed by individuals or groups dressed in masks and costumes. 

Bring the whole family for grill-outs under the sun, live music under the stars, and that one uncle who always starts the polka line. Whether it's our multi-generational picnics or Friday night dances, these events bring our community back to its roots- one bratwurst and beer at a time. Picnics include Father's Day, Sports Klub, & Honey Picnics.

The annual Center picnic is our largest fundraiser and is an established tradition that begins each year with Holy Mass followed by food, music, dancing and entertainment on the Hill. 

Members of the Center prepare the meat and barbecue it.  There is a great deal of preparation done on the Saturday before the picnic. Barbecue pits are set up and the meat has to be prepared. Early on Sunday morning, the team barbecues whole pigs, lambs and chicken. In 2024: 13 pigs, 9 lambs, 90 chickens and 1800 čevapčiči were prepared!

The Vinska Trgatev Festival, also known as the Wine Harvest Festival, is a Slovenian celebration that honors the grape harvest. It typically involves activities like wine tasting, music, dance, and often includes grape picking and pressing demonstrations. The festival is a significant cultural event in wine-growing regions, attracting locals and tourists alike. 

This year marks three decades since The Slovenian Catholic Center found its home in Lemont. We’re planning a special anniversary dinner to honor the families, founders, and volunteers who made this dream possible—and to celebrate the next chapter of our journey as The Dom. Save the date—it’s going to be unforgettable.

Our holiday season glows with tradition: carols, a nativity play, sweet potica bread, and the sparkle of our community tree lighting. It's one of the warmest nights of the year—and a reminder that the Dom shines brightest when we're together. 

In Slovenian, "Silvestrovo" refers to New Year's Eve, the evening before New Year's Day. It's a term used to describe the festivities and celebrations that take place on the evening of December 31st. The word is derived from "Silvestrovo," which is the name of a Christian saint and a common reference for the date in some European languages.