On St Gregory Day, light prevails over darkness

A unique spectacle marking the start of spring will take place in several towns across Slovenia on 11 March, on the eve of St Gregory Day. To celebrate the victory of light over darkness children will release candle-lit miniature boats and houses into rivers, sending them off downstream in what is a symbolic as well as an eye pleasing ritual.

St Gregory Day, celebrating the arrival of spring, and love, is named after a sixth-century monk who became pope. He is known for many acts of kindness and remembered as the patron saint of schoolchildren and scholars.

Originally, St...